Denmark spends over $9Bln on largest arms buy in History: Report
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Denmark has approved a record $9 billion purchase of European-made air defense systems, including SAMP/T, NASAMS, IRIS-T, and VL MICA, to close a long-standing capability gap and reinforce NATO's northern capabilities.
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A SAMP/T launcher launches an Aster missile. (Photo sourced from MBDA)
Copenhagen has announced the largest arms acquisition in its history, committing more than $9 billion to bolster its air defense capabilities with European-made systems, according to the Danish Defense Ministry and local media.
The decision followed recommendations from the Danish armed forces, which earlier this week suggested the purchase of eight ground-based systems at an estimated cost of 53 billion kroner ($8.32 billion). Officials noted that the acquisition would mark the country's most significant defense procurement to date.
Initially, three options were under consideration: Norway's NASAMS, Germany's IRIS-T, and France's VL MICA. Later on Thursday, the government confirmed that it would move ahead with a multi-system package, including the SAMP/T surface-to-air missile system developed by the Franco-Italian company Eurosam, alongside other medium-range systems from Norway, Germany, and France.
Denmark Defense Upgrade
The announcement builds on a June 10 declaration from the Defense Ministry, which revealed that Denmark would acquire three ground-based systems valued at over $917 million, scheduled to become operational no later than 2026. Those purchases will involve partnerships with Kongsberg (Norway), Diehl Defence (Germany), and MBDA France.
Officials said that the 58 billion kroner package covers not only procurement but also long-term operation, ensuring the sustainability of the systems well beyond delivery. The plan foresees four SAMP/T batteries and four medium-range batteries, creating a layered defense against cruise missiles, drones, and glide bombs, threats observed on the Ukrainian battlefield.
This procurement also reflects a shift away from reliance on US Patriot systems, which were deemed more expensive and slower to deploy, toward European suppliers that can provide quicker delivery timelines. Denmark has lacked ground-based air defense since retiring its Hawk systems in 2004, and officials described the buy as closing a "critical capability gap."
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Beyond addressing national security, the deal supports European defense industry cooperation and aligns with NATO's push to reinforce its northern flank. Analysts note that the choice of European systems, particularly Eurosam's SAMP/T, conveys Copenhagen's role in strengthening both regional air defense integration and Europe's pursuit of greater strategic autonomy in defense procurement.
