Denmark sets course for new defence industrial strategy

Denmark's new four-party government has pledged to introduce a defence industrial strategy aimed at strengthening the domestic defence sector and deepening Nordic and European cooperation.

The commitment is set out in the coalition government's newly published platform, presented on Tuesday by Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen's centre-left administration.

According to the 77-page document, the government will reinforce the foundations of Danish defence, with a particular focus on security of supply.

"This requires the Danish and European defence industries to step up and be able to deliver European solutions quickly and reliably, including in wartime," the document states.

The policy signals a stronger emphasis on Danish, Nordic and European suppliers, marking a notable shift from Denmark's traditionally transatlantic approach to defence procurement.

As part of a forthcoming defence industrial strategy, the government intends to improve framework conditions for the Danish defence industry and remove barriers through close dialogue with industry stakeholders.

The platform also states that, to strengthen security of supply and support the development of industrial capabilities and expertise, greater priority should be given to procuring military equipment, software and other defence-related solutions from Danish and European suppliers.

The government will also examine the feasibility of producing synthetic fuels in Denmark to reduce dependence on fossil fuels, including for military applications.

In addition, it says the EU's defence industrial strategy must be translated into concrete policy measures, including through the bloc's capability coalitions. The government also wants to facilitate the rapid and secure establishment of Ukrainian defence companies in Denmark.

"The government's ambition is to accelerate defence cooperation within the EU with a view to meeting the Union's defence readiness objective by 2030," the document states.

The platform further calls for closer cooperation and integration between the Danish Defence and allied forces in the Baltic Sea region, the Arctic and the North Atlantic.

"Nordic defence cooperation has a particular character and geography that require deep integration," the document notes.

The government therefore seeks stronger Nordic cooperation, including through the Nordic Defence Cooperation (NORDEFCO) framework, with greater emphasis on joint exercises, coordinated procurement, participation in operations and enhanced collaboration on capability development.

The identity of Denmark's next minister of defence is expected to be announced at 10:00.