Denmark Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen has announced the country’s plan to spend $9 billion on long-range missiles, drones, and air-defense systems in its largest defense investment to date.
The move comes after drone incursions into Poland and Romania earlier this month. “There is no doubt that Russia will be a threat to Europe and Denmark for years to come,” Frederiksen told reporters following the announcement.
The plan includes the purchase of eight systems, including the Franco-Italian SAMP/T for long-range defense, which was chosen over the U.S. Patriot.
The SAMP/T can track and intercept aircraft, drones, and ballistic missiles at ranges up to 150 kilometers.
In addition to the SAMP/T, the plan also includes the purchase of medium-range systems from Germany, Norway, and France.
“The systems have been selected based on an overall assessment of operational, economic, and strategic factors,” the defense ministry said.
Deliveries are set to begin this year, with the first unit expected to be operational by December, the Defense Ministry said.
Defense Minister Troels Lund Poulsen described ground-based air defense as Denmark’s top priority following Russian drone incursions into NATO countries. “This is about protecting our cities, infrastructure, and armed forces,” he said.
