'Russia is testing us': Denmark to buy long-range precision weapons for first time
Photo: Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen (Getty Images)
Denmark will purchase long-range precision weapons for the first time, including missiles and drones, in response to Russia testing the country’s defenses, The Guardian reports.
According to Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen, this represents a “paradigm shift”, as Denmark’s air defense is currently insufficient and needs the capability to strike targets at long distances and counter missile threats from the enemy.
“Russia is testing us. They are testing our unity,” Frederiksen said at a press conference.
Prime Minister also emphasized that, despite the seriousness of the global situation, there is no immediate threat to Denmark. The decision was made based on recommendations from the Chief of Defense, Troels Lund Poulsen, Denmark’s Defense Minister.
Frederiksen added that Russia will remain a threat to Denmark and Europe for many years, and the decision reflects a serious assessment of the security situation in Eastern Europe and potential risks from the Atlantic.
On September 13, NATO ships intercepted a Russian vessel in Swedish waters. The Russian ship experienced engine problems and began drifting toward Denmark, along with a power outage on board.
Danish and UK naval vessels escorted the Russian ship during its drift.
Recently, Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that Russian leader Vladimir Putin is attempting to test NATO countries and their readiness to act.
According to Zelenskyy, the Kremlin aims to see how the Alliance will respond diplomatically, politically, and in terms of local population reactions.
Zelenskyy made this assessment while commenting on the incident involving Russian drones in Poland.
