Denmark plans to allocate more than 3 percent of its GDP to defense over the next two years, committing 50 billion Danish kroner ($7 billion).
The plan includes the creation of an Acceleration Fund to speed up defense investments.
To accelerate military build-up, the measure will also support streamlining procurement processes and increasing direct awards for acquisitions, allowing quicker equipment delivery.
“We need to be able to invest in and build-up fighting capability at increased speed. We only have a limited influence on production times, but if we use our right to award contracts directly, we can save time,” stated Danish Defense Minister Troels Lund Poulsen.
“Further, we have to deepen our cooperation with the industry and close allies, educating and training ourselves in the use of the equipment, so that we are ready to use it, when it is delivered,” added Poulsen.
The initiative aims to strengthen the country’s military capabilities to increase deterrence against Russia.
Recent assessments by the Danish Defence Intelligence Service suggest that within two years, Russia could rebuild its military strength to a level that it could potentially engage in conflict with one or more NATO countries.
NATO Members Rising Defense Budget
Russia’s war in Ukraine has reshaped NATO’s priorities, pushing the alliance to reinforce its eastern flank and increase defense spending.
Although the official defense spending target for allies is set at 2 percent of GDP, several member states are moving beyond that threshold.
Earlier this month, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer pledged to raise defense spending to 2.5 percent of GDP by 2027, with a long-term goal of reaching three percent — a level not seen since the Cold War.
Lithuania plans an even steeper commitment, budgeting 5 to 6 percent of GDP annually from 2026 to 2030.
Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump has called on NATO allies to more than double their spending targets to 5 percent.
