Denmark buys $9 billion worth of air defence systems amid growing tensions with Russia

Denmark will buy air defence systems made in Europe for 58 billion Danish crowns (9.11 billion dollars), making it its largest ever arms purchase. The country's Defence Minister said this on Friday. He cited a difficult security situation.

In February, the Danish Prime Minister Mette Fredericksen ordered that military equipment be purchased in anticipation of a possible future Russian invasion in Europe.

Denmark is planning to purchase eight systems. These include the Eurosam SAMP/T long-range platform, which was developed by MBDA France and MBDA Italy, along with Thales. They also plan to buy medium-range systems from Norway, Germany, or France.

On Friday, Troels Poulsen, Minister of Defence, told reporters that there is no doubt about the security situation.

We have seen that Russia violated Polish airspace using several drones... "It is a reminder for all of us of the importance of strengthening combat power", he continued.

Poland, backed by aircraft from NATO allies and backed by NATO aircraft, shot down suspected Russian drones on its airspace Wednesday. This is the first known instance of a Western military alliance member firing shots during Russia's conflict in Ukraine.

Per Pugholm Olsen of the Danish Defence Acquisition and Logistics Organisation told a press briefing that the European systems could be delivered quicker and cheaper than Patriot missile defence in the United States.

(source: Reuters)