Top ministers in the Danish government will soon have the option to travel around the world on chartered private jets, as revealed by procurement documents. The current Challenger jets used by the Danish Armed Forces have proven unreliable due to technical issues. As a result, there is a demand for more reliable transport options for Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen (Social Democrats – Socialdemokratiet), Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen (Moderate Party – Moderaterne), and Defense Minister Troels Lund Poulsen (Liberal Party – Venstre), in addition to accompanying officials and press members.

According to the procurement documents, the 300 million Danish krone (approximately $43 million USD) budget is intended to cover the leasing of these aircraft over a period of six years.

Inger Støjberg, leader of the Denmark Democrats (Danmarksdemokraterne) and a former minister, has criticized the move as wasteful. While she acknowledges the need for quick travel on certain occasions, Støjberg argues that most ministerial trips can be planned well in advance and thus could be conducted using commercial airlines. She believes that leasing private jets reflects a sense of entitlement among the top echelons of government, suggesting they feel too distinguished for ordinary flights.

In contrast, Troels Lund Poulsen defends the decision, emphasizing that it ensures Denmark’s ability to conduct necessary flights independent of commercial air routes. He also points out that the Challenger jets can still be utilized for other military assignments.