Short version:
- Denmark is increasing its defense budget by around NOK 56 billion for the period 2024-2028.
- Military capacities, conscription and various personnel measures are strengthened in response to a worsening security policy situation.
- Conscription in Denmark is being extended from four to eleven months, and plans are being made for general conscription, including for women.
- The Danish defense will carry out rearmaments, including a heavy brigade and investments in air defense and anti-submarine capabilities.
The summary is generated by artificial intelligence, but read through by a journalist.
In Denmark, a broad political majority has agreed to strengthen the country’s defense in the coming years.
This is confirmed by the Danish Ministry of Defence, corresponding to the Ministry of Defence.
This happens primarily by increasing the financial framework in the defense settlement of around NOK 56 billion for the period 2024-2028.
The promise will be particularly noticeable next year. The defense budget increases from NOK 246 billion to NOK 302 billion until 2033.
The budget increase ensures that military capacities, conscription and various HR initiatives are strengthened.
– The security political situation has worsened markedly since we entered into the agreement on a new defense settlement in June 2023. Russia is preparing for a long-term war and exhibits continued aggressive behaviour, which within a few years could pose a potential threat to the NATO countries, stated the Danish Minister of Defense Troels Lund Poulsen.
– That is why we have chosen to speed up investments in a number of powerful and in-demand military capacities, so that we can contribute as quickly as possible with our part of NATO’s unifying defence, he continues.
General conscription
One of the fields that will make the biggest impact is conscription. Annually, 7,500 conscripts must be enrolled, and the service must last eleven months.
At the moment, the length of conscription is only four months in Denmark, and 4,700 conscripts serve annually.
In addition, there is likely to be general conscription. A majority of the political parties wanted women to also serve conscription.
It will probably not be introduced until after the next election in the Folketing, which will be on 1 January 2027.
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Air defense and army rearmament
Similar to the Norwegian long-term plan, a number of upgrades that will take place in the future have been presented.
The army’s 1st brigade is to be built up to become a heavy brigade with up to 6,000 soldiers, which means that it can be part of NATO’s standby force. The brigade will be fully developed in 2028.
In addition, the Army’s light infantry battalion in the town of Haderselv will receive armored vehicles.
Air defense will also be an important investment in the Danish defence. Both short-range and long-range air defense systems will be acquired to protect Denmark against attacks from the air.
In five years, anti-submarine capacity will be completed, including by investing in anti-submarine torpedoes.
Acquisitions of nearby anti-aircraft missiles will also be carried out during the year.
Measures for personnel
Measures will also be taken on the personnel side of the Danish armed forces.
A new form of employment will be introduced, where sergeants and constables can be entitled to receive training with pay after x-number of years as a permanent employee.
Denmark wants to keep constables in the Army for as long as possible, and will introduce vocational training that will make it attractive to pursue a military career.
– It is crucial to have a good framework for our employees, then we are able to handle the important tasks for the Defence, says the Minister of Defence.
Within the Danish Ministry of Defence, there will also be reprioritisation and efficiency improvements, which will free up NOK 23 billion between 2026 and 2033.
More about the Danish armed forces:
Denmark
Tags: Denmark strengthens defence Conscription compulsory women
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