Denmark Increases Defense Spending, Exceeding 3% of GDP
An additional 50 billion Danish kroner (approx. 7 bn USD) will be allocated to the armed forces, raising the defense budget to over three percent of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
The Danish government has announced plans for a significant increase in the country's defense capabilities. An additional 50 billion Danish kroner will be allocated to the armed forces, raising the defense budget to over three percent of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
As part of this initiative, the Danish government intends to establish an acceleration fund. Between 2025 and 2026, 50 billion DKK (approximately seven billion USD) will be used for rapid investments in military capabilities. The fund is designed to supplement existing defense agreements. The Danish government will assess whether these allocated funds meet operational needs after receiving updated NATO capability targets and negotiating a new agreement concerning the Arctic and North Atlantic regions.
The initiative's funds will primarily be used to acquire critical military capabilities. Additionally, the government is restructuring the Ministry of Defense to improve efficiency, including reorganizing certain agencies and streamlining decision-making processes.
Großwald Curated: Current State of Danish Armed Forces
Denmark maintains a small but modern all-volunteer military supplemented by conscription. As of 2023 the Danish Armed Forces have about 17,000 active-duty personnel (approximately 10,000 Army, 3,500 Navy, 3,500 Air Force).
The armed forces’ organizational structure is joint and streamlined. Under the Danish Defence Command, there are three main branches – the Royal Danish Army, Navy, and Air Force.
In addition, Denmark relies on a sizable reserve component – chiefly the Danish Home Guard (Hjemmeværnet) – which comprises roughly 43,000 trained volunteers (about 12,800 active volunteers and 30,000 reservists) who can support national defense and emergency tasks. Denmark has compulsory military service for a small number of draftees (with 4–12 months service), and in 2024 it decided to extend conscription to women by 2026 to broaden the recruitment base. This reflects a growing effort to increase personnel and meet NATO readiness targets.
"The current security situation makes it clear that we must invest in our defense more rapidly than before. All European countries must take greater responsibility for security in Europe. That is exactly what Denmark is doing today. With the acceleration fund, we will allocate more than three percent of our GDP to defense over the next two years. This sends a clear signal to all our allies that we understand the security challenges and are ready to act now," said Danish Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen.
In addition to strengthening its own military, Denmark is also increasing its support for Ukraine. In 2025, Denmark plans to invest 250 million Danish kroner in aid. Since 2022, the total value of Denmark’s support to Ukraine has amounted to 7.44 billion Danish kroner.
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