Denmark to buy new ships and UAVs to strengthen military presence in the Arctic

28 January, 2025 Knud Rasmussen-class patrol vessel P570, July 23, 2009. Photo: Frank Duffy Denmark is investing £2 billion to strengthen its military presence in the Arctic and North Atlantic.

The Danish Ministry of Defense reported on this. To strengthen security and expand military capabilities in the region, the Danish government has signed the first interim agreement in cooperation with the autonomous authorities of the Faroe Islands and Greenland. The agreement covers the construction of three new Arctic ships that will be able to solve tasks around Greenland more efficiently and flexibly.

Helicopters and drones will be able to be based on board. Two additional large long-range drones with enhanced visual surveillance capabilities will also be purchased, which can monitor large areas at a great distance.

The Knud Rasmussen class P570 patrol vessel. Photo credits: Anders Fridberg

Intelligence capabilities will also be enhanced through satellite surveillance and ground-based assets to improve situational awareness and intelligence gathering in the Arctic and North Atlantic.

The parties agreed to negotiate the second part of the agreement for the Arctic in 2025. As previously reported, the Danish Ministry of Defense will increase the defense budget to strengthen Greenland's defense capabilities. The strengthening of Denmark's defense capabilities in the Arctic is due to the statements of US President Donald Trump, who stated that Greenland is an absolute necessity for US defense.

Currently, the issue of ensuring the security of Greenland is a priority, as Greenland, an autonomous territory of Denmark, is home to a large US space facility. Greenland is strategically important for the United States, as it is located on the shortest route from North America to Europe. It has large mineral reserves.

The Munin patrol boat.

Photo credits: FMI

The Danish Navy has recently received two new patrol boats to patrol the EU's external borders.