Danish Prime Minister to Announce Major Plans for Military Rearmament
Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen announced that her government would unveil “major” plans on Wednesday to rearm the country’s military in response to the growing threat posed by Russia.
In a speech before Parliament on Tuesday, Frederiksen stated, “We must significantly increase our armament. We must embark on a major rearmament process to prevent war.”
She did not disclose specific details or financial figures, but according to Danish state television, the government is expected to establish a fund worth 50 billion kroner ($7 billion) for additional defense spending in 2025-2026.
The government had considered doubling the amount but concluded that the available defense equipment was insufficient for large-scale purchases, according to the report.
Frederiksen stressed that rearmament must happen “quickly” due to the “challenging situation” facing Denmark, its kingdom, and the European continent.
She warned that Denmark is currently facing “the most dangerous situation in our history,” adding, “It is worse than during the Cold War.”
After urgent talks in Paris concerning changes in U.S. policy on the Ukraine war, Frederiksen cautioned that Russia “now threatens all of Europe.”
When asked about the greatest threat to Europe, she responded, “It is, of course, Russia,” pointing to its “imperial ambitions to build a stronger and larger Russia. I don’t think they will stop at Ukraine.”
She also warned the U.S. against seeking a “quick” ceasefire that would allow Russia to “regroup and attack Ukraine or another European country.”
If the defense fund is approved, Denmark’s military spending would rise to 3% of GDP, according to the Danish daily Berlingske.
U.S. President Donald Trump has been urging NATO member states to increase their defense spending to 5% of GDP.
Currently, U.S. defense spending stands at 3.4% of its GDP.
Denmark is one of Ukraine’s strongest supporters.
Since the war began in February 2022, Denmark has provided $7.52 billion in military aid and approximately $741 million in civilian contributions, according to the Danish Foreign Ministry.
