Denmark to Announce ‘Massive’ Rearmament Plan Amid Escalating Russian Threat
Copenhagen, Denmark – Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen announced on Tuesday that Denmark will unveil a "massive" rearmament plan for its military in response to the growing threat posed by Russia. The announcement comes amidst heightened tensions in Europe following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
Details Emerge on Multibillion-Dollar Defense Fund
While the exact amount of the rearmament program has yet to be disclosed, Danish public broadcaster DR reported that the government is expected to establish a fund of 50 billion Danish kroner (approximately €6.8 billion) for additional defense spending in 2025-2026.
Initially, the government aimed to double the size of the fund, but DR indicated that insufficient defense equipment is currently available for purchase with a larger amount. Among the military’s pressing needs are air defense systems, which it currently lacks.
Rapid Rearmament Amid ‘Dangerous Situation’
"We must strengthen ourselves massively to protect Denmark. And we must rearm massively to avoid war," Frederiksen declared in her address to parliament. She emphasized the need for swift action given the "difficult situation for our country, kingdom, and continent."
Frederiksen described Denmark as facing "the most dangerous situation in [its] lifetime," asserting that the current crisis surpasses even the tensions of the Cold War.
Russia’s Imperial Ambitions Fueling Concerns
Following an emergency meeting of European leaders in Paris regarding Ukraine, Frederiksen cautioned that "Russia now unfortunately threatens the whole of Europe." She believes that Russia’s invasion of Ukraine is driven by "imperial dreams of building a bigger and stronger Russia" and expressed skepticism that their ambitions will cease with Ukraine.
"That is why I am very worried about a quick ceasefire, because it could give President Putin and Russia a better opportunity to… mobilize again and attack Ukraine or another country in Europe," she said.
3% of GDP to Defense Spending
Should the announced Danish fund reach 50 billion kroner, it will raise Denmark’s defense spending to 3% of its GDP, making it one of the leading supporters of Ukraine. Since Russia’s invasion in February 2022, Danish military aid to Ukraine has totaled approximately €7.2 billion, according to the Danish Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
NATO Solidarity and Regional Tensions
Denmark’s rearmament announcement underscores the heightened sense of threat felt by Nordic countries in the face of Russia’s aggression. The country is a member of NATO, which has played a key role in deterring Russian advances in Eastern Europe.
Recent Russian nuclear threats and the ongoing conflict in Ukraine have sparked widespread concern about the potential for a broader regional conflict. Denmark’s decision to significantly boost its defense capabilities is a reflection of these escalating tensions.
Balancing Diplomacy and Military Preparation
While emphasizing the importance of military preparedness, Frederiksen also stressed the need for diplomatic efforts to de-escalate the crisis. "We must support Ukraine in this fight while at the same time trying to find a diplomatic solution," she said.
However, she expressed skepticism about the prospects of a sustainable ceasefire at this stage. "I do not believe that we can trust Russia to withdraw from Ukraine," she said. "Therefore, it is very important that we prepare for a long war."
Denmark’s rearmament plan represents a significant shift in the country’s defense posture, aligning with the broader reassessment of security threats in Europe. The announcement is a clear signal that Denmark is determined to strengthen its defenses and uphold its role within the NATO alliance.
