Denmark is significantly ramping up its defence investments, with a clear focus on securing its Arctic and North Atlantic interests. The Danish Ministry of Defence has just signed a DKK 27.4 billion (€3.67 billion) agreement with Greenland and the Faroe Islands, extending until 2033, following an earlier DKK 14.6 billion (€1.96 billion) commitment earlier this year. This strategic push comes as geopolitical tensions in the region intensify, with renewed U.S. interest in Greenland and recent unauthorised drone incursions into Danish airspace, which authorities have described as “hybrid attacks from professional actors.”
The Danish government is prioritising several key technologies to bolster its defence capabilities. One major initiative is the acquisition of air-to-air refuelling capabilities, allowing Danish F-35 fighter jets and allied aircraft to extend their operational range in the Arctic and North Atlantic. This move aligns Denmark with NATO allies like Germany, France, and Belgium, enhancing regional air superiority.
Denmark is also investing in a new NATO special operations headquarters, strengthening its leadership role in the Arctic. The country already maintains a defence authority in Nuuk, Greenland, and the Faroe Islands, while the U.S. military operates the Pituffik air base in Greenland. Additionally, Denmark plans to expand its drone fleet for enhanced air surveillance, ensuring rapid response capabilities in the region.
Another critical investment is in icebreaker capabilities, essential for Arctic missions. These specialised vessels will support both defence and rescue operations, with a commitment to working with local operators to respect Arctic communities. Denmark is also upgrading its subsea communications infrastructure, deploying new undersea cables to reduce vulnerability to outages and potential sabotage. A forthcoming agreement between Denmark and Greenland will establish a North Atlantic undersea cable, improving connectivity, with plans to extend this infrastructure to the Faroe Islands.
This surge in Danish defence spending reflects a broader trend across Europe. France recently announced an additional €6.5 billion in military spending, while the UK allocated £250 million (€287 million) for a new defence industrial strategy. Spain has also approved €6.89 billion in defence investment loans to modernise its military capabilities.
As geopolitical tensions persist, Denmark’s strategic investments in advanced defence technologies will not only secure its Arctic and North Atlantic interests but also reinforce NATO’s collective security framework. The focus on innovation, regional cooperation, and resilience underscores Denmark’s commitment to maintaining peace and stability in a rapidly evolving security landscape.