The Danish government has received approval from the Folketing's (Danish Parliament) Finance Committee to urgently procure several different types of drones and counter-drone capabilities. The expenditure falls within the existing financial framework of the Danish Ministry of Defence. This is stated in a press release from the Danish Ministry of Defence dated 15 July.
"Experiences from the front line in Ukraine clearly demonstrate the significant role that drones, and the ability to counter them, play on the battlefield. There is therefore a need for the defence forces to rapidly strengthen this area further. Developments are moving at an extraordinary pace, and it is crucial for combat effectiveness that the defence keeps up," says Denmark's Minister of Defence, Jeppe Bruus.
According to the press release, against the backdrop of the heightened security policy environment, there is a need to further strengthen Denmark's deterrence and defence profile through the urgent procurement of additional drone and counter-drone systems.
The war in Ukraine has, according to the ministry, demonstrated that drones today constitute an essential factor, including for engaging adversaries at distance. Experience has also shown that both the consumption rate and the rate of technological update for drones are very high.
Danish Defence needs to strengthen its use of drones for purposes including intelligence gathering, surveillance and reconnaissance, as well as engaging adversaries. The aim of the procurement is for drones to be used broadly across the defence forces' operational units. At the same time, it is considered crucial to be able to rapidly and effectively counter adversary drones in order to protect own forces.
"The war in Ukraine has shown us the essential role that drone and counter-drone capabilities, in combination with conventional means, play in building a technically flexible and tactically adaptable defence. This initiative supports the defence forces' targeted work to massively upgrade relevant technology," says Denmark's Deputy Chief of Defence, Lieutenant General Henrik Berg.
The total expenditure for the procurement, as well as subsequent operation and maintenance, falls within the Ministry of Defence's existing financial framework. This includes funds allocated under the Danish Defence Agreement 2024 to 2033, agreed in June 2023, as well as the agreement to strengthen the defence forces' combat capability, known as the Acceleration Fund (Accelerationsfonden), from February 2025.