Denmark has announced a major boost to its Arctic capabilities under the Second Agreement on the Arctic and North Atlantic, investing in new vessels, drones, and maritime patrol aircraft to enhance surveillance and operational effectiveness across the region in close cooperation with Greenland and the Faroe Islands.
As disclosed, some of the investments included in the Second Agreement on the Arctic and North Atlantic of 2025 are Two additional Arctic vessels, a maritime patrol aircraft capacity, a new headquarters for Joint Arctic Command, additional drones, and a North Atlantic undersea cable.
The total planned acquisitions in the Second Agreement of 2025 amount to DKK 27.4 billion ($3.9 billion).
Specifically, the agreement aims to improve the capabilities and operational effectiveness of the Danish Armed Forces on land, at sea, and in the air. It is divided into three themes:
“With this second agreement we significantly strengthen the capabilities of the Danish Armed Forces in the region., including maritime patrol aircraft capabilities and additional Arctic naval vessels. I deeply appreciate the close cooperation, innovative inputs and good discussions with Greenland’s Naalakkersuisut and the Government of the Faroe Islands in reaching this agreement,” said Minister of Defense Troels Lund Poulsen .
To remind, in April this year, the Danish government unveiled plans to strengthen its defense with a new ambitious naval strategy that includes the purchase of new equipment and vessels. The plan includes the acquisition of 21 new vessels for the Danish defense forces and four new marine environmental vessels, which could also be used for military tasks such as waterway surveillance and mine-laying.
The new investments in capabilities and initiatives must be seen in connection with the previous political decisions to strengthen the operational effectiveness of the Danish Armed Forces, including the First Agreement on the Arctic and North Atlantic from January 2025, according to the officials.
The acquisitions will be carried out in close cooperation with local authorities and with respect for the existing division of competences in the Kingdom of Denmark.