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Denmark has revealed significant plans to modernize its naval forces, addressing concerns over potential threats from Russia. The NATO member has committed 4 billion Danish kroner (over £457 million) to enhance maritime capabilities, including acquiring numerous new ships for its navy and home guard fleets, drone technology, and advanced sonar systems.
Strengthening Danish Naval Capabilities
According to the nation’s defense minister, current threats to Denmark are “different and far graver than just a few years prior.”
“The threat from Russia, specifically, demands immediate action, especially given the rapid pace of technological progress,” stated Troels Lund Poulsen. “With the Navy Plan agreement, we are initiating a series of urgent acquisitions to ensure the Danish Defence at sea can counter these threats effectively.”
New Vessels and Equipment for the Navy
The Danish navy is slated to receive four multi-role ships designed for marine environment monitoring and mine-laying operations. These vessels will have the capacity to perform:
- Surveillance both above and below the water’s surface.
- Training exercises.
- Environmental tasks like cleaning up chemical and oil spills.
Additionally, the navy will be equipped with underwater drones and other autonomous technologies to improve surveillance capabilities.
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Home Guard Fleet Expansion
Denmark’s home guard, which supports the navy is expected to receive 21 new boats.
Increased Focus on Underwater Infrastructure Surveillance
A key component of this investment is to bolster the surveillance of Denmark’s crucial underwater infrastructure.
Since Russia’s incursion into Ukraine, a number of incidents have occurred in the Baltic Sea involving damage to power cables, telecommunications links, and gas pipelines. While many have attributed these incidents to Moscow, Russia has consistently refuted these accusations.
Denmark occupies a strategically important position between the North Sea and the Baltic Sea, where Russia maintains a significant naval base in St. Petersburg.
Last month, Denmark announced its procurement of hundreds of sea mines to safeguard its territorial waters, amidst mounting anxieties regarding the potential threat posed by Russia.
Statements from Defence Officials and Government Support
Denmark’s Chief of Defence, Michael Hyldgaard, emphasized that fortifying naval capabilities is “vital,” adding: “The proposal also prioritizes the increased use of unmanned systems, based in part on experiences gathered in Ukraine.”
These plans have garnered the endorsement of the Danish government and six additional political parties.
Furthermore, there is a consensus on the necessity to invest in larger navy ships, such as frigates, to enhance Denmark’s combat effectiveness at sea further.
Increased Defence Spending
In February, Copenhagen committed to allocating over 3% of its GDP to defense over the subsequent two years. This decision aligns with the broader trend among European nations to strengthen their military forces amid sustained apprehensions concerning Russia’s potential aggression and the future of US commitment to European security.