It took pressure from US president Trump and in the end the member countries of NATO decided to raise their military spending with the goal of 5% of each country’s individual national income (Gross Domestic Product (GDP)). But now the Danish Armed Forces have announced they will have to economise.
Last week the Danish Ministry of Defence surprisingly announced it will start cutting costs, up to the equivalent of EUR 1.7 to 2 billion in the coming eight years. “Re-prioritising” (“omprioriteringer”) is the official term that the Danish MoD gives to a plan existing of 15 points. The first item of this plan is already steering up debate.
Extension of military service, guard duties
“The extension of military service to 11 months allows conscripts to perform more tasks. For example, guarding, which can free up permanent employees for other operational tasks. At the same time, conscripts, together with professional soldiers, will also be able to participate in the operational task solving in the Army’s 1st Brigade, as well as units in the Navy, Air Force and Special Operations Command.”
Danish F-35 program ends in 2025
The unions of military personnel are not amused. “A gamble with our security,” one spokesperson said to Danish Radio (DR) on 24 October 2025. The 3rd item on the list closes the door for additional fighter jets for the Royal Danish Air Force. “The F-35 fighter jet procurement program will end in 2025, and the majority of the program’s financial reserve for unforeseen expenses can be re-prioritized to other areas.” This means the Danes will buy an additional 16 Lockheed Martin Lightning II stealthy combat jets to bring the total strength to 43, but not a single aircraft more. It is at least five aircraft short on what NATO would wish for as a minimum.
Digitalisation and energy cuts
Among the other measures about to be taken are a further digitalisation of the armed forces and their processes, and more strict use of energy sources. | © 2025 Marcel Burger, nordicreporter.com. Featured photo: Featured image: Danish Army soldiers, part of NATO’s multinational brigade in Latvia, during exercise Resolute Warrior there (Press photo: NATO)