Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen takes part in a press conference on the occasion of Denmark’s presidency of the EU at Marselisborg Castle in Aarhus, Denmark, July 3, 2025. REUTERS/Ritzau Scanpix
Denmark announced plans to acquire high-precision long-range weapons and to increase the defense budget to effectively counter threats from Russia. These steps were outlined by Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen during a public address on the country’s future defense strategy.
There is no doubt that Russia will be a threat to Europe and Denmark for many years to come.
– Reuters
According to Defense Minister Troels Lund Poulsen, the new procurement could include missile systems and drones capable of striking targets on enemy territory. He did not name exact costs or specify which systems they plan to purchase.
Last week Denmark announced an allocation of 58 billion Danish kroner (over $9 billion) for European air defense systems – the largest funding in the country’s history. Poulsen stressed that the Russia-Ukraine war demonstrates the importance of the ability to deliver a retaliatory strike and to have an integrated multi-layered air defense.
It shows the importance of the ability to deliver a retaliatory strike or a deep strike, as well as having an integrated multi-layered air defense.
– Troels Lund Poulsen, Danish Minister of Defense
On September 15, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said that Ukraine would for the first time have modern joint weapons production with leading countries of the world. The agreements envisage investments in Ukrainian industry and the construction of industrial complexes in partner countries. Denmark is among the leaders of such initiatives in Northern Europe, and similar steps are planned also in the Baltic states, the Netherlands, Germany, and the United Kingdom.
Ukraine will for the first time have modern joint weapons production with leading countries of the world.
– President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky
Regional Security Realities and Future Cooperation
Such steps by Denmark aim to strengthen the country’s defense potential and bolster the shared European security system. Expanding air defense capabilities and deploying long-range systems should fundamentally change the defense landscape of Northern Europe, especially in light of growing challenges from the Russian side. At the same time, cooperation with various partners and joint production projects with Ukraine highlight the trend toward closer collaboration among allies on the continent.
Experts emphasize that Danish investments and the drive for an integrated multi-layered defense strengthen the ability to respond to crises and deter distant aggression. For Europe, this signals greater defense self-reliance and more developed cooperation among NATO member states and partners.