Relatives of crew members wave Danish flags as the frigate HDMS Iver Huitfeldt of the Royal Danish Navy arrives at the naval base in Korsoer, Denmark, on April 4, 2024. Denmark is increasing its defense spending to better meet its NATO obligations. AFP/GETTY IMAGES
MAYA JOHNSON
Denmark has committed to increase its defense spending from 2024 to 2028 by 35.2 billion DKK ($5.1 billion). This decision followed the Danish government’s proposal to boost defense spending in March 2024. Subsequently, in May 2024, the Parliament approved the proposed initiatives with a majority vote.
This decision follows closely on the heels of Denmark’s announcement in June 2023 regarding a 10-year spending agreement dedicated to strengthening national defense. The agreement, amounting to $22.5 billion, is designed to bolster the nation’s military forces and enhance preparedness, with the effects of the investment expected to extend through 2033.
Troels Lund Poulsen, the Danish minister of defense, emphasized the urgency of the new defense expenditure, stating, “The security situation in Europe has worsened since we decided the Danish Defence Agreement last summer. Russia is preparing for a long-term war and could pose a potential threat to NATO allies within a few years. It is vital that we react now, together with our allies, in order to deter a resurgent Russia. Therefore, we must fast-track investments in key military capabilities.”
The increased budget will strengthen the Danish Army’s 1st Heavy Brigade, with the aim of designating it as part of the NATO Response Forces. The funding will ensure the brigade’s readiness for rapid deployment according to NATO standards, enabling it to be deployed seamlessly within the NATO framework. Key investments will focus on enhancing the brigade’s capabilities, including acquiring and investing in tanks and infantry fighting vehicles. Additionally, there will be investments in land-based air defense systems and anti-submarine warfare capabilities to further fortify Denmark’s overall defense capabilities.
Denmark will also use the funding to increase conscription rates. A new conscription model aims to increase the number of military personnel by using conscripts to staff various military units, including the Army’s 1st Heavy Brigade. The revised conscription system extends the conscription period to 11 months, with the initial five months focused on comprehensive military training and education. Following this training phase, conscripts will spend the subsequent six months conducting basic operational tasks within the Armed Forces while continuing to receive training and education. This new model is expected to help integrate up to 7,500 conscripts into Denmark’s military annually, bolstering both personnel numbers and operational readiness.
Finally, the initiative will introduce full gender equality into the conscription model. The new model ensures that all young Danes deemed fit for military service will be treated equally in terms of conscription, regardless of gender. This aspect of the agreement is set to be implemented after the next general election, according to a May 2024 news release by the Danish Ministry of Defence. This move not only aligns with Denmark’s values of equality but also reflects its commitment to foster a diverse and inclusive defense force. This initiative aligns with Denmark’s 2020-2024 National Action Plan for Women, Peace and Security (WPS), which stresses the importance of enhancing Denmark’s role as a security policy actor to advance the WPS agenda and increasing the inclusion of women and active participation in peace and security endeavors.
Overall, Denmark’s commitment to increasing defense spending reflects a strategic response to evolving security challenges and heightened tensions regarding the Russia-Ukraine war. The decision to pass these initiatives underscores Denmark’s dedication to bolstering both its military capabilities and NATO response capabilities, ensuring effective collaboration with allies and partners while also committing to regional and global security.
Maya Johnson is a recent graduate of the Josef Korbel School of International Studies at the University of Denver who interned at United States Northern Command.