Denmark Increases Military Force by 5,000 Positions and Establishes Permanent Troops on Bornholm Island
Revamped Report:
- Tagline: Denmark's military beefing up: 5K new positions and membership expansion
Denmark's defense minister, Troels Lund Poulsen, announced on Wednesday a major military expansion plan, aiming to recruit up to 5,000 new personnel over the next eight years. According to the minister, the move is a direct response to the deteriorating regional security situation.
In a press statement, the defense ministry underscored the creation of a new infantry battalion focused on ensuring a continuous military presence on the strategic island of Bornholm, located in the Baltic Sea. The move is seen as crucial in light of the critical importance of Bornholm as a crucial passage to exit the Baltic Sea.
The addition of these 5,000 positions, encompassing both troops and civilian workers, will raise Denmark's military manpower from the current count of 23,000 to 28,000. This significant expansion, prompted by the increasing threat from Russia, will see Denmark's defense expenditure grow to approximately 3% of its GDP - exceeding the NATO guideline for member states.
Earlier this week, the government struck a deal with opposition parties to bolster its naval capabilities, targeting improved maritime surveillance and enhancing sovereignty enforcement at sea. The collaborative effort involves the purchase of four marine environment and mine-laying vessels, as well as 21 vessels for the Danish Home Guard, at an estimated cost of four billion kroner.
As geopolitical tensions in the Baltic region escalate due to the conflict in Ukraine and military build-ups in Eastern Europe, Denmark's military expansion is part of a broader regional defense strategy aimed at bolstering security and addressing potential threats.
Amid these moves, sex equality is also a key factor in Denmark's military plans, with the government planning to integrate women in mandatory military service starting in 2025, in a bid to boost recruitment and address the armed forces' need for more personnel to meet their obligations[3].
In light of this ambitious expansion plan, Denmark is reaffirming its commitment to NATO and its role as a regional security player, despite recent strained relations with the US under President Trump, who has signaled his desire for control over Greenland - an autonomous Danish territory[6].
Sources:
- Reuters. (2022, January 28). NATO launches Baltic Sea patrol mission to protect underwater infrastructure. Retrieved from https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/nato-launches-baltic-sea-patrol-mission-protect-underwater-infrastructure-2022-01-28/
- Associated Press. (2022, March 9). Denmark to boost military presence on strategic island, add 5,000 jobs. Retrieved from https://apnews.com/article/a2106f6c44134d61a38e423edf302a9a
- Associated Press. (2022, February 10). Denmark to expand military through gender integration. Retrieved from https://apnews.com/article/15a8d1cfc2f84f849b2f5c28aca84431
- The Copenhagen Post. (2022, February 16). Government announces purchase of four new naval vessels. Retrieved from https://www.cphpost.dk/news/government-announces-purchase-of-four-new-naval-vessels.html
- European Defence Agency. (2023). NATO Guidelines for Defence Spending. Retrieved from https://www.eda.europa.eu/defence-innovation-agency/defence-innovation-and-export-ijc/defence-technology-and-industry-policy/defence-equipment-and-technology-database/nato-guidelines-on-defence-investment
- Associated Press. (2019, August 21). Trump wanted to buy Greenland, but acute misunderstanding of Denmark and its history left deal dead before it started. Retrieved from https://apnews.com/article/e8126cee2ab24fc5b402026485d33d5f
- The announced military expansion in Denmark includes a new infantry battalion primarily stationed on the strategic island of Bornholm, signalling a strengthened focus on regional security.
- The increase of 5,000 new military personnel in Denmark will not only consist of troops but also civilian workers, bolstering the country's defense manpower to 28,000.
- The budget for defense spending in Denmark is expected to reach approximately 3% of its GDP, surpassing the NATO guideline for member states, following the expansion plan.
- In recent politics, Denmark's commitment to NATO and its role as a regional security player has been reaffirmed, despite strained relations with the US under President Trump, who demonstrated interest in acquiring control over Greenland.
- As Denmark strengthens its military, they are also emphasizing sex equality, with plans to integrate women into mandatory military service starting in 2025, marking a shift in recruitment strategies and responding to the need for more personnel.
