The Danish Ministry of Defence announces that additional medium-range air-to-air missiles will be procured for the country's F-35 fighter aircraft. Simultaneously, supplementary winter equipment is being purchased for the army for international operations and training. The investments are partially funded through the national Acceleration Fund.
– This is another step in the accelerated build-up of the defence's combat capability. I am therefore pleased that the parties behind the agreement support the Defence Chief's recommendation, says Denmark's Minister of Defence Troels Lund Poulsen according to a press release from the Ministry of Defence.
The investment in the new air-to-air missiles is carried out on the advice of the Danish Defence Chief. According to the ministry, the procurement is expected to enhance the defence's operational capability and conventional deterrence.
In addition to the armament for the fighter aircraft, new winter materiel for the army is also included in the agreement. This equipment is specifically aimed at the Danish presence in Latvia, but also for winter training in Greenland, Norway, and Sweden.
– With additional missiles, we strengthen the F-35's operational effectiveness and our ability to carry out tasks both nationally and within the framework of NATO. This directly contributes to credible deterrence and high readiness, says Major General Jan Dam, Chief of the Air Command.
The new capabilities are financed through existing frameworks as well as funds from the Acceleration Fund. According to the Ministry of Defence, the fund totals 121.9 billion DKK for the period 2025–2033. Of these, 117.0 billion DKK have been allocated so far.