Denmark Approves Plan to Acquire Long-range Precision Weapons

Denmark has greenlit a plan to obtain long-range precision weapons, a move aimed at strengthening national defense and NATO’s collective deterrence.

The decision, made on September 17, follows the recommendation of Chief of Defence Michael Wiggers Hyldgaard.

“We are in the process of a historic reconstruction of Danish defense, and it is natural that we are continuously looking at how we can best defend Denmark and the Kingdom in the future and contribute to the security of our allies,” Defense Minister Troels Lund Poulsen said.

The minister said the new capability will allow Denmark not only to defend its airspace but also to strike hostile targets far from its territory.

The Ukraine War has shown the importance of combining defensive and offensive systems. Officials noted that long-range weapons would allow Denmark to hit enemy missile launch sites before attacks are carried out.

Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen said deterrence was the main driver. “We are acquiring longer-range precision weapons to — through deterrence — avoid a situation where they are needed. This is requested by NATO and is intended to contribute to the ambition that Europe can defend itself by 2030 at the latest,” he said.

Chief of Defence Hyldgaard stressed that the weapons will provide the armed forces with tools to neutralize threats before they reach Danish territory. “Long-range precision weapons are essential for us to be able to deliver credible deterrence and ensure a robust defense of Denmark,” he said.

The Ministry of Defence Materiel and Procurement Agency will now launch a market study to identify which systems best meet Denmark’s operational needs.