Denmark is preparing a major military expansion as European leaders warn of increasing threats from Russia. Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen announced plans for a significant boost in defense spending, calling the current situation the most dangerous in recent history.
Frederiksen told lawmakers that Denmark must act decisively to strengthen its military. “We must upgrade massively to protect Denmark. And we must rearm massively to avoid war,” she said. She emphasized that the buildup needs to happen quickly due to growing instability.
Denmark will spend 50 billion DKK ($7 billion) to rearm its military.
Initially, Danish government wanted to allocate more money to the fund, but European arms manufacturers are having a hard time keeping up with demand.
Source: Danish Broadcasting Corporation pic.twitter.com/RTClvaZ8w4
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Although the prime minister did not specify a dollar amount, Danish public broadcaster DR reported that the government is preparing to introduce a 50-billion-kroner ($7 billion) defense fund for 2025-2026. Initial proposals considered doubling that sum, but officials decided against it due to a shortage of available military equipment.
Denmark PM says will announce ‘massive’ rearmament plans https://t.co/nVRJ74ijfg
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One of the priorities for Denmark’s defense expansion is acquiring air defense systems, which the country currently lacks, according to DR. The government has also indicated that additional military upgrades will follow as part of its long-term strategy.
If the proposed spending plan moves forward, Denmark’s defense budget would rise to 3% of GDP, exceeding NATO’s standard of 2%. Former President Donald Trump has called on NATO countries to increase their contributions to 5%, while the U.S. currently spends about 3.4% of its GDP on defense.
Denmark has been a major supporter of Ukraine, contributing roughly $7.52 billion in military aid and an additional $741 million for civilian assistance, according to the Danish foreign ministry.
