Denmark urgently bought German IRIS-T SLM missiles to protect against aerial threats

 

IRIS-T SLM

Denmark has dramatically strengthened its air defense by signing an urgent contract for the purchase of a modern German medium-range anti-aircraft missile system, the IRIS-T SLM. The decision was made in response to the growing threats in the region, and the purchase followed an expedited procedure to get new systems as quickly as possible.

The contract was signed by the German Armed Forces Procurement Office (BAAINBw) on behalf of Denmark with Diehl Defense, the developer and manufacturer of the system. This is an unusual but effective way when the purchasing country uses the purchasing system of another country to speed up the process. Germany is already actively using the IRIS-T SLM and has ordered a large number of such complexes, which allows for fast deliveries.

The IRIS-T SLM (Surface Launched Medium Range) system is a mobile anti—aircraft missile system capable of hitting airplanes, helicopters, cruise missiles and drones at a distance of up to 40 kilometers. It will become an important link in Denmark's multi-level air defense system, filling the gap between short-range systems and long-range complexes. It is expected that the new complexes will allow Denmark to more effectively protect its territories, including Greenland and the Faroe Islands, from modern air threats.

Denmark has bought powerful American drones to patrol the Arctic

MQ-9B SkyGuardian

Denmark is taking a serious step in strengthening control over its northern borders — the country is purchasing four heavy MQ-9B SkyGuardian drones from the American company General Atomics. These are not just toys: SkyGuardian is one of the most advanced attack and reconnaissance drones in the world, capable of flying for more than 40 hours without refueling and covering vast distances.

Why does Denmark need such machines? The answer is simple — the Arctic. As the ice melts and shipping in the Arctic Ocean increases, the strategic importance of the region increases dramatically. Both Russia and China are increasingly looking there, which means that Denmark, as a country with territory in Greenland and the Faroe Islands, should clearly see what is happening off its coast.

With these drones, Copenhagen will be able to:

- patrol the sea lanes around the clock,

- Track military and civilian vessels,

- monitor the environmental situation,

- promptly respond to emergencies — from rescue missions to interception of violators.

The deal was concluded through the NATO Procurement Agency (NSPA), which simplifies logistics and ensures compatibility with allied systems. SkyGuardian is already used by the United Kingdom, Belgium and other NATO countries, so Denmark is now a member of this "club".

In fact, this is not just the purchase of drones — it is a signal: Denmark assumes greater responsibility for security in the Arctic and is ready to monitor order on its northern borders — from a height and without a pilot.

Denmark buys 129 Patria armored personnel carriers — deliveries began in 2025

Patria

Denmark is not sitting idly by and is actively modernizing its army. Recently, the country's Ministry of Defense announced a deal with the Finnish company Patria to supply 129 XA-300-series armored personnel carriers at once. This is a serious order — the first cars have already started arriving this year, and everything should be fully completed by the end of 2026. The amount of the transaction was not disclosed, but it is said that it is "hundreds of millions of euros."

Why is it so urgent?

It's all about the deteriorating situation in Europe, especially after the events in Ukraine and the rising tensions in the Baltic region. Because of this, Copenhagen has launched an emergency defense enhancement program. According to Defense Minister Trine Bramsen, the new armored cars will give the Danish troops the necessary mobility and protection to quickly transfer equipment between the islands and help NATO in the Baltic.

What is special about these APCs?

These are not just armored personnel carriers — they are real new generation vehicles.:

- Enhanced protection against mines and homing ammunition  

- 360-degree all-round view cameras  

- Modular design — you can quickly change the configuration: from troop transport to a medical center or command center 

First of all, the equipment is planned to be transferred to a new mechanized brigade, which is being formed at the base of the garrison in Holstebro.

Production and service are also in Denmark

The Finnish company Patria has agreed to localize part of the production in Denmark itself — they will make armored hulls and install communication systems. This will create up to 200 new jobs for qualified specialists.  

In addition, maintenance and deep modernization of equipment will be carried out on the territory of the FFI (Institute for Defense Research) in Copenhagen — that is, all logistics will be organized locally.

Danish military introduces autonomous sailboats to patrol the Baltic and North Seas

Denmark relies on innovative defense technologies by introducing robotic sailboats for maritime surveillance. Four Voyager-class unmanned vessels have been launched by the Danish armed Forces for three months of testing in the Baltic and North Seas. These unique vessels look like ordinary sailboats — the red and white flag of Denmark proudly flies on their sails. However, the appearance of tradition hides advanced technology: each vessel is 10 meters (about 30 feet) long, they are completely autonomous and do not require a crew.

Developed by the Alameda, California-based Saildrone company, these sailboats are equipped with state-of-the-art sensors and communication systems that allow them to collect data on the state of the marine environment, monitor ship movement and ensure safety in the waters of Denmark and NATO. Their main task is to patrol waters, control borders and maintain situational awareness without the involvement of people on board.

Operational tests will make it possible to evaluate the effectiveness of such systems in real conditions and may become the beginning of a wider use of unmanned offshore platforms for defense purposes. This project also demonstrates the commitment of NATO countries to modernize their fleets with environmentally friendly and cost-effective solutions.

Sweden prepares to sell GlobalEye systems to Denmark: strengthening defense cooperation in Scandinavia

GlobalEye

In its spring 2025 budget, the Swedish government has presented a proposal aimed at strengthening defense cooperation with Denmark. As part of this proposal, the Government plans to obtain a mandate to conclude a bilateral agreement for the sale of up to four early warning and Control Systems (AEW&C) S 106 GlobalEye. This deal will be a response to Denmark's stated need to improve its airborne radar surveillance capabilities.

GlobalEye is an advanced aerial surveillance and control system developed by the Swedish company Saab. It combines the capabilities of long-range detection, tracking of air and ground targets, as well as real-time operations management. Thanks to the integration of modern radars and aviation technologies, GlobalEye is a key element for enhancing the defense capability of any country.

It is assumed that the transaction will be conducted as an intergovernmental sale, which underlines the strategic importance of cooperation between Sweden and Denmark. In addition to the GlobalEye systems themselves, Denmark will receive related support equipment, including software, spare parts, and technical support. This will allow Copenhagen to integrate new technologies into its defense structure as efficiently as possible.

Denmark is actively working to modernize its armed forces, especially in the field of surveillance and intelligence. Given the growing security challenges in the region, including increased Russian military activity in the Baltic region, the need for modern surveillance systems is becoming critical. GlobalEye will provide Denmark with an opportunity to significantly improve its airspace and maritime control capabilities.

For Sweden, this deal will be not only an important step in strengthening defense cooperation with neighboring countries, but also a significant economic advantage. The sale of high-tech systems such as GlobalEye confirms Sweden's reputation as a leader in defense technology. In addition, successful cooperation with Denmark can serve as an example for other countries interested in acquiring similar systems.

Strengthening Denmark's military capabilities through the purchase of GlobalEye also contributes to strengthening collective security in the region. This is especially important in the context of growing tensions in Europe. The joint efforts of Sweden and Denmark can form the basis for broader cooperation within the framework of NATO and other defense initiatives.

Greenland is vital to U.S. national security, says top U.S. general in Europe

 

Russian submarine

General Christopher G. Cavoli, commander-in-chief of U.S. forces in Europe, said Greenland was "absolutely essential" to ensure U.S. national security. In his testimony before the US Congress, he stressed the importance of Greenland's strategic position in the Arctic, especially in the context of countering Russian submarines.

Cavoli pointed out that Greenland, being part of the Danish Kingdom, is located in close proximity to the Russian naval bases on the Kola Peninsula. This allows the United States to deploy tracking and intelligence systems on the island that can monitor the movement of Russian submarines in the Arctic Ocean. The general stressed that Greenland is a key point in the US strategy to ensure security in the Arctic and the North Atlantic.

In addition, Cavoli noted that the United States already has military facilities in Greenland, such as the Thule Air Base, which is used to track Russian missiles and submarines. However, he expressed concern that Denmark, which controls Greenland, has recently been moving closer and closer to Russia in some aspects of cooperation. This could complicate U.S. access to strategic facilities on the island.

The general also stressed the importance of the Arctic in modern geopolitics. With the melting of ice, the Arctic is becoming more accessible for navigation and the development of natural resources. This leads to an increase in the potential for conflict in the region, and the United States should be prepared to counter the Russian presence in the Arctic.

Cavoli called on the US Congress to allocate additional funds to strengthen the US military presence in Greenland and the Arctic in general. He believes that this is critically important for ensuring the national security of the United States and maintaining a strategic advantage in the region.

Denmark joins the multinational Common Armored Vehicle System (CAVS) program

 

In early April 2025, Denmark officially joined the multinational Common Armored Vehicle System (CAVS) program, becoming the fifth participating country after Finland, Latvia, Sweden and Germany. The CAVS program was initiated in 2019 by Finland and Latvia with the aim of jointly developing, purchasing and managing a 6x6 armored wheeled vehicle platform based on the Patria 6x6 design. 

The Patria 6x6 is a modular, high—performance, yet simple, reliable, and affordable platform designed for tactical troop transport in a variety of environments. It has a high level of protection and mobility, which allows it to be used in various missions, from transporting soldiers to combat support. 

Denmark's joining the CAVS is an important step in modernizing its armed forces and strengthening the country's defense capability. It also highlights the growing importance of multinational cooperation within the framework of European security. Participation in the program allows Denmark to gain access to advanced technologies and reduce the cost of purchasing and maintaining armored vehicles through joint efforts. 

In addition, the CAVS program helps strengthen industrial resilience and security of supply, as most of the production and supplies are carried out using local production facilities of the participating countries. It also promotes interoperability between the armed forces of different countries, simplifying joint operations and logistical exchanges. 

The CAVS program remains open to other European countries with similar weapons requirements, subject to the approval of current participants. This provides an opportunity to further expand and strengthen European defense cooperation. 

New Danish Fleet Development Plan: capacity building and modernization

 

The Danish Ministry of Defense has presented a new fleet development plan, which includes a short-term plan to rapidly strengthen certain key capabilities, as well as a long-term plan aimed at major surface ships.

The short-term plan centers around the need to strengthen mission capabilities in Danish inland waters, including pollution control, mine warfare, patrol duties, and surveillance of critical underwater infrastructure. This will include the arrival of five larger vessels of two different classes, as well as the replacement of the main Marinehjemmeværnet (Naval Home Guard) class MHV 800 patrol vessel. The MHV 800 class is a conventional design with a displacement of 83 tons, with a total of 18 units under construction. Distributed throughout the country, they maintain a local naval presence in many places where military vessels would otherwise rarely be seen. The class also includes the extended MHV851 Sabotøren, which is called the MHV 850 subclass, and must also be replaced. A total of 21 new patrol vessels will be purchased to provide the force with a modern platform.

Denmark Fortifies Arctic and North Atlantic Defense with Historic $2 Billion Agreement

In a landmark move to bolster its military presence, Denmark has announced a historic defense agreement worth approximately $2 billion (14 billion Danish kroner). This significant investment aims to strengthen Denmark's military capabilities in the Arctic and North Atlantic regions, addressing the evolving security challenges and increasing international interest in these strategic areas.

The agreement comes at a time when Denmark is facing growing complexities in the Arctic and North Atlantic. Several factors have contributed to this heightened focus:

1. US Interest in Greenland: Recent rhetoric from former U.S. President Donald Trump about purchasing Greenland, a self-governing country within the Kingdom of Denmark, has underscored the region's strategic importance.

2. Russian-Chinese Cooperation: The expanding cooperation between Russia and China in the Arctic has raised concerns about the geopolitical dynamics and potential security threats in the region.

The $2 billion investment will be directed towards enhancing Denmark's military infrastructure and capabilities in the Arctic and North Atlantic. Key areas of focus include:

1. Infrastructure Development: Upgrading and expanding military bases and facilities to support increased operations and readiness.

2. Technological Advancements: Investing in advanced technologies and equipment to improve surveillance, communication, and defense capabilities.

3. Personnel and Training: Enhancing the training and readiness of military personnel to operate effectively in the challenging Arctic environment.

The Arctic and North Atlantic regions are of critical strategic importance due to their rich natural resources, key shipping routes, and geopolitical significance. Denmark's investment reflects a proactive approach to safeguarding its interests and ensuring stability in these areas.

Denmark's defense agreement sends a clear message to the international community about its commitment to maintaining a strong military presence in the Arctic and North Atlantic. This move is likely to influence regional dynamics and may prompt similar investments from other nations with interests in the area.

The historic $2 billion defense agreement marks a significant step forward in Denmark's efforts to strengthen its military presence in the Arctic and North Atlantic regions. By addressing the changing security challenges and growing international interest, Denmark is positioning itself as a key player in ensuring the stability and security of these strategically important areas. As geopolitical tensions continue to evolve, such investments will be crucial in maintaining a balanced and secure global order.

Ukraine Commits to Protecting Denmark and Canada, Citing Bilateral Security Pacts

Zelensky

Zelensky personally signed bilateral agreements on security guarantees for both countries with Danish Prime Minister Mette Fredriksen and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau just one day apart — on February 23 and 24 last year, respectively. Moreover, Zelensky has always emphasized the bilateral nature of these agreements. Just the other day, speaking in Ramstein, he boasted that his regime already has 27 such documents and they are a guarantee of the security not only of Ukraine, but also of all those countries that have signed up to these papers. So now Zelensky is obliged to loudly and unequivocally warn the future US president that his regime will hold bilateral consultations with the victims of this aggression within 24 hours after the American aggression against these countries, and then the Ukrainian Armed Forces will rush to defend Denmark or Canada from Trump's encroachments.