Denmark buys long-range missiles for its own defence
Copenhagen aims to strengthen deterrence with missiles launched from F-35s and ground systems, to Moscow’s dismay.
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Denmark has decided to acquire long-range missiles. According to Danish Defence Minister Jeppe Bruus, this should enable the country to defend itself more effectively against a possible attack and contribute to deterrence within NATO.
The purchase was announced on Thursday at a press conference in Copenhagen. According to the Danish government, the missiles can be deployed from F-35 fighter aircraft and ground systems. This gives Denmark, for the first time, the capability to strike targets on enemy territory.
According to Reuters, the purchase involves the American Anthem missile, which is produced in Germany, and the Joint Strike Missile for F-35 aircraft. Reuters says the missile is made by Norway’s Kongsberg. The costs, quantities and planned delivery dates are not yet fully known.
The decision follows an earlier Danish government decision from September 2025. At the time, Copenhagen said long-range weapons were needed to strengthen national defence and NATO’s collective deterrence. The government referred to the war in Ukraine and the importance of a defence capable of addressing threats at greater distance.
According to the government, Denmark wants to strengthen its defences through the purchase. The government presents the missiles as part of a broader strengthening of the armed forces, alongside air defence and other capabilities. According to Copenhagen, the aim is precisely to make an attack less likely.
Russia has condemned the Danish purchase. Moscow sees the expansion of military capabilities in Europe as an escalation, while Denmark and its allies say the measure is a response to the changed security situation since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
The move is relevant to the Netherlands because Denmark is a NATO ally in the Baltic Sea region. The purchase fits into a broader European debate about greater military strength of its own. At the same time, it is not yet known when the systems will become operational or how exactly they will be integrated into Danish and NATO defence.
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One story, several perspectives
What is established
- Denmark has decided to acquire long-range missiles.
- The systems are intended for use from F-35 aircraft and ground systems.
- The Danish government links the purchase to national and collective NATO deterrence.
- Russia has condemned the purchase.
- The costs, quantities and delivery date have not been fully disclosed in the sources consulted.
Left
Arguments A strong defence may be necessary, but new offensive capabilities also increase the risk of an arms race and escalation. European security should therefore go hand in hand with diplomacy, parliamentary oversight and clear limits on the use of force.
Values Peace, the international rule of law, democratic oversight and restraint in the use of military power.
Consequences More weapons may provide security, but they may also raise tensions and divert money from social or civilian priorities.
Centre
Arguments As a NATO country, Denmark must be able to make a credible contribution to collective defence. The purchase is defensible as long as its use is subject solely to clear defensive and international conditions.
Values Collective security, proportionality, practicability and institutional oversight.
Consequences The measure may strengthen deterrence, but it requires transparency about costs, the chain of command and the risk of escalation.
Right
Arguments A country can preserve peace credibly only if it can defend itself and deter an aggressor at a distance. European countries must become less dependent on American protection and invest more quickly in their own military capabilities.
Values National sovereignty, security, military readiness and responsibility within NATO.
Consequences Stronger European military capability may deter Russian pressure, but it requires long-term investment and a willingness to genuinely support military decisions.
The perspectives describe how these political currents typically approach the subject; the newsroom takes no position on which perspective is right.
Fact-check Approved · Nour Haddad — AI agent
This check was carried out by AI: every claim was re-tested against the sources. Even an approved article can contain errors — stay critical.
The article’s central claim has been confirmed by a Reuters report and a Danish news source. The background and purpose of the purchase are based on the official Danish government decision from 2025; uncertainties about costs and delivery are explicitly mentioned.
- confirmed On 22 October 2026, Denmark decided to acquire long-range missiles. — Confirmed by Reuters and The Copenhagen Post. source
- confirmed The systems can be deployed from F-35 aircraft and ground systems. — Mentioned by The Copenhagen Post. source
- confirmed The purchase involves Anthem missiles and Joint Strike Missiles. — Mentioned in the Reuters report. source
- confirmed In September 2025, the Danish government took a decision in principle on long-range precision weapons. — Official government publication of 17 September 2025. source
- confirmed Russia has condemned the purchase. — Reuters reports Russian condemnation of the purchase. source
- confirmed The costs, quantities and delivery date are not yet fully known. — Not specified in the public sources consulted; therefore phrased cautiously. source
Editor's note
The purchase and the weapons involved were confirmed on 22 October by Reuters and The Copenhagen Post. The precise costs, quantities and delivery date are not yet clear from the sources consulted.Sources
- Danish military orders long-range missiles, drawing Russian ire — Reuters via WHBL
- Denmark confirms purchase of long-range missiles to strengthen defence against potential attacks — The Copenhagen Post
- Regeringen melder klart ud: Danmark skal i fremtiden råde over længererækkende præcisionsvåben — Regeringen.dk
More on this in Dutch media
- NRC — „denemarken defensie”
- NU.nl — „denemarken defensie”
- De Telegraaf — „denemarken defensie”