HomeDanish PoliticsDanish investigation into Elbit weapons purchase faces further delays and challenges

Danish investigation into Elbit weapons purchase faces further delays and challenges

The investigation into the procurement of weapon systems from the Israeli company Elbit is progressing slowly. According to a press release from the Ministry of Defense (Forsvarsministeriet), the delays are due to technical difficulties in accessing necessary email accounts and text messages. However, these technical challenges have now been resolved.

The legal investigation regarding the Elbit case, which aims to clarify the misleading information provided to the Danish Parliament (Folketinget), will be delayed by an additional two months. Initially, the investigation was expected to be completed by April 1, but it has since been both expanded and postponed. It is now anticipated to conclude in September.

Defense Minister Troels Lund Poulsen (V, Venstre) expressed regret over the delay but also emphasized the importance of a thorough investigation. “I am, of course, disappointed that this is dragging on. The delay is not optimal, but it is also crucial that we achieve a comprehensive review,” he stated in the press release.

The issue with Elbit began with former Defense Minister Jakob Ellemann-Jensen (V, Venstre), who, in good faith, provided inaccurate information to the Danish Parliament regarding the deadline for the procurement of new artillery from Elbit. Parliament was informed of a deadline in January 2023, while the correct deadline was actually in June of the same year. The situation has already had personal consequences, resulting in the resignation of Chief of Staff Morten Bæk.

Problems, however, have accumulated over time. Earlier this year, Troels Lund Poulsen revealed that the purchased Atmos and Puls systems are delayed by a year and may end up costing nearly one billion Danish kroner more. This issue regarding the increased costs is also being closely examined.

A number of political parties, including the government, Socialistisk Folkeparti (SF), Danmarksdemokraterne (The Danish Democrats), Liberal Alliance, Enhedslisten (The Red-Green Alliance), The Radical Left (De Radikale), and Dansk Folkeparti (Danish People’s Party), agree on the necessity of a legal investigation. Lise Bech, the defense spokesperson for Danmarksdemokraterne, expressed frustration over the delay, stating, “It is unacceptable that we are pouring money into matters that are both becoming more expensive and more delayed than initially anticipated. We face this uncertainty as long as we do not have the legal investigation to rely on.”

As such, the extensive and critical investigation into the Elbit case remains a central topic in the political debate surrounding defense spending and transparency in public contracts.

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