The Danish government on Friday announced the largest arms purchase in the country's history, approving a 58-billion Danish kroner (9.1 billion U.S. dollars) acquisition of ground-based air defense systems, reported Xinhua.
According to the Ministry of Defense, the deal includes eight medium- and long-range air defense systems to be supplied by several European manufacturers, including firms from France, Italy, Germany, and Norway.
Denmark has not possessed ground-based air defense systems since 2005. The new package will introduce SAMP/T long-range systems from a Franco-Italian consortium, complemented by medium-range systems from manufacturers in Norway, Germany, and France.
The ministry said the systems will provide nationwide coverage, strengthening protection for cities, military installations, and critical infrastructure. The first unit is expected to be operational in 2025, with deployment gradually expanding thereafter.
This announcement follows an initial package unveiled in June worth over 6 billion Danish kroner, aimed at quickly fielding air-defense capability. Together, these procurements are designed to create a layered defense of Danish airspace.
- Denmark
- Arms
- Purchase
Source: www.dailyfinland.fi
