Denmark Unveils $13.7 Billion Defense Expansion Plan Including More F-35 Jets and Arctic Fleet Boost

PARIS — Denmark has announced an ambitious defense spending package worth 88 billion Danish kroner ($13.7 billion) through 2033, aimed at modernizing its air, land, and maritime forces amid heightened security concerns in Europe.

The plan, unveiled by the Danish Ministry of Defense, includes the purchase of 16 additional F-35 fighter jets, bringing Denmark’s total planned fleet to 43 aircraft. The government has earmarked 29 billion kroner for the expansion, alongside funding for air defense, Arctic operations, and drone capabilities.

“Expanding the fleet of F-35 fighter jets is a key decision in the buildup of the Danish Armed Forces,” said Gen. Michael Hyldgaard, Denmark’s Chief of Defence. Denmark currently operates 15 F-35s, with deliveries of its existing order of 27 expected to conclude in 2026.

The government, which earlier this year pledged to raise defense spending to over 3% of GDP by 2026, cited NATO commitments and the growing threat from Russia as driving factors. “If Europe cannot defend itself, then it’s game over at some point,” Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen warned in June.

The Ministry of Defense said it will begin discussions with the F-35 Joint Program Office to explore accelerated deliveries of the new jets. The acquisition will include spare parts, flight simulators, and integration of Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) — autonomous systems designed to operate under the tactical control of F-35 pilots, enhancing combat reach and survivability.

In addition to air power, the defense package invests heavily in air and maritime defense systems:

• 27.8 billion kroner will go toward ground-based air defense, supplementing the 30 billion kroner previously committed for that purpose. The combined 58 billion kroner budget will fund up to eight medium- and long-range missile systems.
• 27.4 billion kroner will be allocated to Arctic and North Atlantic defense, including two Arctic-ready patrol vessels, new maritime patrol aircraft, and infrastructure in Greenland such as an air-warning radar and a dedicated naval quay in Nuuk.
• Denmark is also considering acquiring Boeing P-8 Poseidon patrol aircraft, already operated by nearby allies including the UK, Norway, and Germany.

Furthermore, 2.1 billion kroner will fund drone surveillance and counter-drone systems, a growing priority after recent incursions of unidentified drones in Danish airspace.

On the ground, Denmark will purchase 44 new infantry-fighting vehicles to replace older CV90s, in addition to 115 new CV90s previously ordered from BAE Systems.

The comprehensive investment package underscores Denmark’s intent to strengthen its role within NATO and safeguard its Arctic territories amid an evolving global threat landscape.