Denmark to allocate additional $7 billion for defense over next 2 years
Amid growing threats from Russia, Denmark is increasing defense spending.
This was stated on Wednesday by Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen, Censor.NET reports citing European Pravda.
Denmark will allocate an additional 50 billion kroner ($7 billion) for defense spending over the next two years.
The Danish prime minister said at a press conference that the money is being sent to the military with an appeal: "Buy, buy, buy. Buy what can contribute to a stronger defense and thus a stronger deterrence here and now. If we can't get the best equipment, buy the next best thing, and if the wait time for what we want most is too long, choose something else that can be delivered faster."
Frederiksen emphasized that speed is the most important thing nowadays. According to her, Denmark has a particular need to invest in air defense systems.
Earlier this week, the prime minister said the plans would be announced, citing the need for "massive rearmament to avoid war."
Speaking to reporters on Wednesday, Frederiksen pointed to the growing threat from Russia.
"We are dealing with an aggressive Russia that is rearming," she said, referring to the ‘stark reality’ that "Russia produces more munitions in three months than NATO does in a whole year."
After emergency talks in Paris on Monday to change US policy on the war in Ukraine, Frederiksen said Russia "now threatens the whole of Europe."
In addition, Frederiksen warned the United States against attempts to negotiate a "quick" ceasefire that would allow Russia to "mobilize again, attack Ukraine or another country in Europe."
The additional funds will bring Denmark's defense spending to 3% of its gross domestic product, which, according to Frederiksen, is "the highest level in more than half a century."
