In a historic agreement, the government and several supporting parties have decided to invest 95 billion Danish kroner in a comprehensive upgrade of the Danish defense. This includes the establishment of a heavy brigade, improved air defense, and expanded anti-submarine capabilities. After years of cuts and wear on equipment, the time has come for a significant strengthening of the army. The heavy brigade, also known as the “army’s fist,” will alone require an investment of 48 billion kroner. Originally, the plan was to establish a medium-heavy brigade, but this project has faced delays and increased costs. The new agreement also includes ground-based air defense and an accelerated effort to build capacities for combating submarines, as well as a previously planned acquisition of maritime short-range missiles.
The goal of the investment is to build the army’s 1st brigade into a fully operational unit with 6000 soldiers, ready to be swiftly deployed in NATO operations. This brigade will be the largest military unit in the Danish defense, equipped with soldiers, tanks, weapons, and vehicles, ready to operate independently. This agreement marks an important step for Denmark in its efforts to meet NATO’s force goals and addresses the criticism the alliance has expressed in recent years.
With these new capabilities, Denmark will be stronger in international defense cooperation and contribute more effectively to regional and global security.