Denmark is launching the “Acceleration Fund,” allocating 50 billion kroner to enhance military capabilities in response to rising threats, particularly from Russia. This initiative is expected to boost defense spending above 3% of GDP, focusing on urgent procurement projects for 2025 and 2026. Amid existing military challenges, such as personnel shortages and equipment failures, Denmark is also reforming conscription to include mandatory service for women and plans to improve security for Greenland.
Denmark’s Acceleration Fund: A Rapid Response to Defense Needs
The “Acceleration Fund” is Denmark’s strategic initiative aimed at swiftly bolstering its military capabilities. Alongside the standard defense budget, an impressive allocation of 50 billion kroner (approximately 6.3 billion francs) has been earmarked for critical military procurements. This announcement was made by Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen on Wednesday.
Currently, Denmark invests around 60 billion kroner annually on defense, constituting 2.4 percent of its GDP. With the introduction of the new fund, this percentage is expected to exceed 3 percent, as stated by the Ministry of Defense. The fund is specifically targeted for procurement projects set for 2025 and 2026, although the financial mechanisms for these additional expenditures remain to be outlined.
Urgent Military Needs and Strategic Outlook
The government’s priority list includes essential air defense systems, and traditional procurement methods will be bypassed to expedite the process. “What matters now is speed,” emphasized Frederiksen. In cases where preferred military equipment is unavailable, the government is prepared to opt for second-best alternatives.
Recently, Prime Minister Frederiksen raised alarms regarding the escalating threats posed by Russia, asserting that the current security climate in Europe is more perilous than during the Cold War. “We must significantly ramp up our defenses to safeguard Denmark and avert war,” she stated. Her remarks align with the serious assessments from Danish military intelligence, which warns of potential Russian aggression in the Baltic Sea region within the next two years. Danish security experts express concerns that a rapid ceasefire between Ukraine and Russia could embolden further military actions from Moscow.
In response to the Russian invasion, Denmark has made substantial military contributions to Ukraine, committing to provide around half of its heavy weaponry. While the new fund will primarily focus on enhancing Denmark’s own defense, it also opens the door for financing additional military support to Ukraine.
Denmark is not only intensifying its military assets but also making significant changes in its conscription policies. Starting in 2026, women will be required to serve under the same conditions as men, with basic training duration nearly tripling from four to eleven months.
However, the bold resolve displayed by Frederiksen cannot obscure the existing structural challenges facing the Danish military. In 2024, the armed forces faced embarrassment due to a series of operational failures. Issues such as personnel shortages, outdated infrastructure, and equipment malfunctions have plagued the military. Additionally, chaotic financial planning left the armed forces without necessary funds for routine operations.
There have been alarming incidents, such as when missile and radar systems failed for 30 minutes during a mission against the Houthi rebels, putting 175 lives at risk. Another incident involving a malfunctioning rocket launcher forced the closure of the Great Belt strait in Scandinavia. The situation resulted in the army chief facing significant scrutiny.
Amid discussions regarding the future of Greenland, Denmark’s military has found itself in a precarious position. The government acknowledged its failure to adequately secure military protection for the territory, which has gained attention due to claims from former US President Donald Trump. In light of these developments, Denmark has committed to increasing investments in the defense of this resource-rich island.