American System De-Selected#

The Danish Air Force is purchasing from four European manufacturers. This means that the American Patriot system has been de-selected.

Denmark is upgrading its ground-based air defense with the largest military investment in new equipment ever at a total cost of 58 billion kroner (9,1 billion dollars).

The ground-based air defense must ensure that the population, cities, critical infrastructure and military targets such as our F35 aircraft and frigates are protected.

The core of the new air defense will be the acquisition of the long-range Franco-Italian produced SAMP/T system, which has a range of 150 kilometers. This will then be supplemented by one or more medium-range air defense systems; respectively the Norwegian-produced NASAMS, the German IRIS-T, and the French VL MICA.

The systems have been selected based on an overall assessment of operational, economic and strategic factors.

A total of eight systems are being purchased, each with a number of four units, which typically consist of a radar, a control facility, one or more launch platforms and a number of missiles.

A four unit can independently fire a guided missile against an identified air target.

Troels Lund Poulsen explains that it has not been decisive for the decision that the systems are European and not American.

The long-range SAMP/T system is being purchased from a Franco-Italian manufacturer and should be ready in 2028 or 2029, while the medium-range systems are being purchased from a Norwegian, German and French manufacturer.

Denmark has not had ground-based air defense systems since 2004.

However, air defense systems are already on the way.

In June, it was announced that manufacturers from Germany, France and Norway will deliver short-range air defense systems to Denmark for more than six billion kroner.

Much More Expensive Than F-35 Fighter Aircraft#

The press release on Friday states that ‘the total costs related to the acquisition and operation of ground-based air and missile defense systems are estimated at 58 billion kroner during the settlement period’.

Therefore, Friday’s purchase has a total price of over 50 billion kroner.

In comparison, Denmark’s 27 F-35 fighter aircraft cost around 16 billion kroner, which was the largest single arms purchase in Denmark to date.

Originally, only 19 to 25 billion kroner was allocated in the defense settlement for the purchase of a ground-based air defense against missiles, aircraft and drones.

Not Revenge For U.S. Claims On Greenland#

Denmark’s relationship with the U.S. has had no impact on the fact that the Danish Parliament has chosen Europe for the largest arms purchase in Danish history in the form of ground-based air defense systems for more than 50 billion kroner.

This is what both Minister of Defense Troels Lund Poulsen and the Danish Armed Forces said at a press conference on Friday about the purchase, which is taking place at a time when relations with the U.S. are problematic.

“An overall assessment has been made in relation to what the recommendation should be. Among other things, they look at how the systems function from a military operational content and economy. They also look at Europe’s ability to produce more.”

The US wants Europe to take greater responsibility for its own security and has cast doubt on the military support. In addition, President Donald Trump has expressed a desire to take over Greenland from Denmark.

But this has not been an issue for the election.

According to Per Pugholm, director of the Ministry of Defence’s Materiel and Procurement Agency, delivery speed has been “the decisive parameter”.

He mentions that there is historically high demand for the American Patriot system, which Ukraine badly needs in the war against Russia.

“The disadvantage of this is that delivery times are longer. The economy also plays a role, and in relation to the specific task in Denmark, we have operationally emphasized that we must have a system that can see 360 degrees around, because an attack can also occur from the south,” he said.

Fear Of Becoming Totally Dependent On The U.S.#

In the debate about suppliers, the fear of becoming dependent on the United States has also played a role.

Part of the debate has been about American F-35 fighter jets, which Denmark has bought and will buy more. The fear is that the United States may withhold spare parts or critical software updates for the fighter jets if the situation worsens.

It is precisely the fear of dependence that makes the Radicals happy to choose a European one.

“I am incredibly happy that the 58 billion kroner does not go to either Israel’s or the U.S.’s arms industry, but goes to the European arms industry and to building the capacity and technology development that is so crucial for the European industrial base, including the green transition,” says leader Martin Lidegaard.

The press release does not state how the increased budget will be financed.

It is not known where the money will come from, but there is money in the treasury for the purchase.

Source:

• politiken.dk (in Danish)
• avisendanmark.dk (in Danish)