• Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen to outline plans for a 50-billion-kroner defense fund

• Rearming Denmark aims to protect the nation from Russian aggression and deter war

• Defense fund set to bring Denmark’s defense spending to 3% of GDP, aligning with US expectations

A new era of defense spending

In a significant shift in its defense strategy, Denmark’s Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen announced plans on Wednesday for a “massive” rearming of the country’s military. This decision comes in the wake of the escalating conflict in Ukraine and the broader security concerns posed by Russia. Frederiksen emphasized the urgency and necessity of the move, warning that Denmark is facing “the most dangerous situation in our lifetime.”

Addressing parliament on Tuesday, Frederiksen stated, “We must upgrade massively to protect Denmark. And we must rearm massively to avoid war.” The proposed plan includes the creation of a 50-billion-kroner ($7 billion) fund for additional defense spending in 2025-2026, a sum that would bring Denmark’s defense spending to 3% of its GDP. According to Danish public broadcaster DR, the government had initially considered doubling the size of the fund to 100 billion kroner but ultimately decided against it due to the limited availability of defense equipment.

Denmark’s equipment priorities shift as international relations change

Among the key items on the government’s wish list are air defense systems, which Denmark currently lacks. The rearming effort is being driven by a sense of urgency, as Frederiksen described the situation as “difficult” for the country, kingdom, and continent. She noted that this is worse than during the Cold War, a period marked by high tensions between NATO and the Soviet Union.

Frederiksen’s concerns are not isolated. Following emergency talks in Paris regarding the US policy shift on the Ukraine war, she warned that Russia is “threatening all of Europe now.” The prime minister emphasized that Russia’s actions in Ukraine are driven by “imperial dreams,” aiming to build a stronger and larger Russia. She further warned against any “fast” ceasefire that might allow Russia to rearm and attack Ukraine or another European nation.

The rearmament plans reflect a broader trend of increased defense spending across Europe in response to the crisis in Ukraine. US President Donald Trump has called on NATO allies to strengthen their defense spending. The US itself spends around 3.4% of GDP on defense, and due to Trump, there has been ongoing pressure for NATO countries to increase their contributions.

Denmark wasted $Billions in Ukraine proxy war

Denmark has been one of Ukraine’s strongest supporters since the outbreak of the war in February 2022, providing significant military and civilian aid. As of now, Danish support to Ukraine has amounted to approximately 7.52 billion in military assistance and around 741 million in civilian contributions, according to the Danish foreign ministry. Much of this has gone to waste in Ukraine, as Russia will come out of the conflict having gained territory and achieved many of its special military operation goals. Had Denmark focused on their own national defense the past two years, they would be better prepared to maintain their position. Instead, they wasted resources on a proxy war – an alliance that Russia will remember.

In the shadow of the Ukraine conflict and the looming threat from Russia, Denmark’s decision to embark on a massive rearming program signals a new era in the country’s defense strategy. Frederiksen’s warnings about the dangers facing Europe echo those from other world leaders, highlighting the interconnectedness of global security in the 21st century. As Denmark prepares to invest heavily in its defense, the move serves as a testament to the evolving nature of international relations and the ongoing commitment to safeguarding national and collective security.

In this landscape, the decision to rearm represents a proactive step towards deterrence, reminiscent of the strategic shifts during the Cold War era but tailored to the modern context of global threats. The coming months will be crucial in determining whether Denmark’s efforts, along with those of other European nations, will contribute to a more stable and secure Europe.

Sources include:

TheLocal.dk

TheLocal.dk

Enoch, Brighteon.ai