Photo: Peter Timo Staggemeier, Flyvevåbnets Fototjeneste
A broad coalition of parties in Danish parliament, including the three-party government as well as the Danish Peoples party, the Social Democrats and the Socio-Liberal party has agreed on a new six year Defence Agreement from 2018 to 2023, substantially increasing defence spending. By 2023 the annual budget increase will reach DKK 4.8 billion. There will be more operational units and troops and a more agile, less top heavy organisational structure. The national emergency preparedness will be significantly strengthened with more people and more equipment and cybersecurity will be enhanced.
“The Agreement demonstrates our resolve and determination to protect and defend a safe and secure Denmark as well as maintaining our position as a core ally to NATO. The strengthening of Defence is necessary in the light of the deteriorated security-political situation. Today’s Agreement delivers a strengthened Danish Defence – with more troops and better equipment – and an enhanced national preparedness”, the parties said in a joint statement.
Denmark’s contributions to NATO’s collective deterrence and defence will be increased with investments in new capacities, i.a. a brigade, air defence missiles for Danish navy frigates, a 50 percent increase in special operations patrol units and a capacity for anti-submarine warfare. The autonomous army brigade is a big-ticket item in the new agreement providing greater robustness and flexibility as individual units from the deployable brigade can also deploy separately for international operations. A light infantry battalion will be established, for national or international use, and there will be investments in extra crews for Defence transportation aircraft.
The agreement will also enhance the Danish capacity to contribute to international operations and stabilisation efforts by 50 percent with an increase of budget reserves for international operations to DKK 750 million by 2023. The Peace and Stabilisation Fund will also be increased to DKK 150 million by the end of the agreement period, corresponding to a 75 percent increase, which was a crucial item for the Socio-Liberal Party, that traditionally has shyed away from participating in agreements increasing the Danish Defence budget.
Another key area in the agreement is Cybersecurity. Cyber protection will be significantly strengthened with the new Defence Agreement in the coming Defence Agreement period. Sensor networks will be developed, a new cyber situation centre will be established and the Centre for Cyber Security will strengthen analytical and advisory competencies. An allocation of DKK 500 million in reserve will be dedicated for the handling of future cyber challenges alongside a strengthening of research and education efforts, bringing Denmark to the forefront within this field.