Denmark has announced its largest-ever military equipment order worth 58 billion kroner, marking a significant shift in procurement strategy.
The deal, finalised on Friday after agreement with opposition parties, prioritises European defence manufacturers over traditional American suppliers.
The country will select missile systems from France, Italy, Norway, and Germany, as part of a long-term plan to expand firepower and respond to escalating security threats from Russia.
The move underscores changing dynamics within NATO defence spending and reflects Copenhagen’s growing distance from Washington following strained political ties.
Denmark turns to European missile suppliers
The missile order represents a break from Denmark’s history of favouring American defence technology.
In 2016, Copenhagen committed to building its next-generation air force around Lockheed Martin’s F-35s, sidelining bids from European firms such as Eurofighter Typhoon.
This time, however, no US manufacturers were included in the shortlist.
The government stated that the purchase is intended to strengthen its deterrence capabilities and prepare for long-term security challenges.
France, Italy, Norway, and Germany have been identified as the countries competing for the contract, with systems designed to reinforce NATO’s collective defence structure.
NATO commitments and defence spending targets
Denmark currently allocates around 3% of its gross domestic product (GDP) to defence.
That ratio is set to increase to 5% by 2035, in line with updated NATO spending commitments.
President Donald Trump has previously urged European NATO members to boost contributions, criticising reliance on American military support.
Copenhagen’s new procurement plan signals both a response to NATO expectations and a desire to diversify defence partnerships.
By selecting European contractors, Denmark is positioning itself within a broader continental effort to strengthen strategic autonomy while still meeting alliance obligations.
Political backdrop and US-Denmark tensions
The decision arrives amid political tensions between Denmark and the US.
Relations were notably strained when Donald Trump, during his presidency, expressed interest in purchasing Greenland, an autonomous territory within the Kingdom of Denmark.
The proposal angered Danish officials and fuelled debates about sovereignty.
Although Denmark continues to cooperate with the US through NATO, its new procurement direction highlights a cautious approach to future defence collaboration.
Choosing European suppliers could reduce overreliance on American technology and open opportunities for industrial collaboration across Europe.
Regional defence landscape and Norway’s record order
Denmark’s move follows Norway’s recent choice of the UK to supply new frigates for its navy, another record defence procurement in the Nordic region.
That decision sidelined bids from the US, France, and Germany, further illustrating a trend of European nations pivoting towards continental partnerships for military equipment.
Together, these developments signal a broader realignment in the region’s defence strategies.
With both Denmark and Norway committing to large-scale European contracts, Nordic states are reinforcing their integration within the European defence market while balancing transatlantic relations.
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