Denmark strengthens armed forces with latest F-35 purchases – Bloomberg
Denmark strengthens its defense and purchases new F-35s (Illustrative photo: Getty Images)
Denmark is significantly strengthening its defense capabilities, investing billions of dollars in Arctic initiatives and weapons modernization. The new measures reflect the global struggle for influence in the Arctic and preparations for potential crises, according to a Bloomberg report.
Denmark will allocate $8.5 billion to bolster its defense infrastructure. The plan includes the purchase of 16 F-35 fighter jets, two Arctic patrol ships, a maritime patrol aircraft, new drones, and an undersea cable in the North Atlantic. A headquarters for the Joint Arctic Command will also be built in Nuuk, and a separate military unit will be established in Greenland.
Presence in Greenland as a priority
Denmark’s Defense Minister, Troels Lund Poulsen, emphasized the need to strengthen presence to ensure sovereignty, conduct exercises, and maintain effective surveillance. According to him, the situation in the northern part of the Kingdom, particularly in Greenland, has become more complex in recent years.
Geopolitical competition over the Arctic
These measures come amid growing interest in the Arctic, where Russia is expanding its military presence and US President Donald Trump sought to control Greenland. Melting ice is opening new shipping routes and access to mineral resources, turning the region into a hub of global competition. Greenland’s Prime Minister, Jens-Frederik Nielsen, has called on the EU to strengthen cooperation to protect digital infrastructure.
Strengthening Denmark’s combat capabilities
$4.5 billion has been allocated for the purchase of new Lockheed Martin fighter jets. The total F-35 fleet will reach 43 units, significantly enhancing Denmark’s combat power and contribution to NATO, noted the Chief of the General Staff.
Aid to Ukraine
Denmark leads among European countries in terms of aid to Ukraine, surpassed only by Germany and the UK. Compared to France, which allocated €7.56 billion, Denmark, with a smaller economy, provided €10.1 billion, demonstrating significant support.
Copenhagen assumes that US President Donald Trump might again turn his attention to Greenland and revive the idea of its incorporation into the US. This assumption was voiced by the head of the Danish government during a parliamentary speech, noting that Washington’s interest in the strategically important island could increase amid growing global attention to the Arctic.
Denmark intends to strengthen control over oil tankers passing through its territorial waters to limit the activities of Russia’s so-called shadow fleet, which Moscow uses to bypass Western sanctions.
