Denmark has announced its first-ever purchase of long-range precision strike weapons, acquiring two different missile systems that will give its armed forces the ability to strike targets far beyond its borders. The Danish Ministry of Defence confirmed the decision on 22 October 2026, describing it as a major step in strengthening the country’s defence and its contribution to NATO.
FAKTA
- What was announced: Denmark will acquire Kongsberg’s Joint Strike Missile for its F-35 fighter jets and the ground-launched Anthem cruise missile from the American company Covenant.
- When: The Danish Ministry of Defence announced the purchases on 22 October 2026.
- Who announced it: Defence Minister Jeppe Bruus, on the recommendation of the Chief of Defence.
- What was not disclosed: The ministry gave no quantities, costs or delivery dates for either system.
- Background: The government took an in-principle decision in September 2025 to acquire long-range precision weapons.
Two missiles, two launch methods
The Joint Strike Missile, built by Norway’s Kongsberg, will be carried by Denmark’s F-35 fighter jets. The Anthem cruise missile, built by the American company Covenant, will be launched from the ground. Together, the two systems give Denmark both an air-launched and a ground-launched deep-strike option for the first time.
Defence Minister Jeppe Bruus said the acquisitions were a significant step towards making Denmark better able to defend itself and carry its share of the burden in NATO. He added that Denmark was sending a strong signal that it has the ability to strike back.
Copenhagen, where the Danish Defence Ministry announced the purchases on 22 October 2026.
Why Denmark is buying them now
According to the ministry, NATO has asked allies to provide long-range precision capabilities of this kind, and the purchases follow a recommendation from Denmark’s Chief of Defence. The government had already decided in principle in September 2025 that the armed forces needed such weapons, arguing that Denmark must be able to counter threats before they reach its territory.
The announcement came just days after Denmark signed a separate contract on 19 October for additional Naval Strike Missiles for the Navy’s frigates and coastal defence systems, making it the third missile procurement in quick succession.
Reaction at home and abroad
Asked whether acquiring weapons that can reach deep inside an adversary’s territory would make Denmark a more obvious target, Bruus said he understood the concern but pointed to Denmark’s membership of NATO, which he described as the world’s strongest defence alliance. He declined to say where the weapon systems will be stationed, citing security concerns.
Russia’s embassy in Copenhagen criticised the decision, with Ambassador Vladimir Barbin telling DR News that Copenhagen was pursuing a course that, in his words, aimed at a possible conflict with Russia. Bruus rejected the suggestion that the purchase puts a bigger target on Denmark, saying there would be Russian rhetoric around the decision.
What happens next
For the Joint Strike Missile, Denmark has so far announced an intention to buy, with the scope and value to be determined during negotiations before a final contract is signed. No delivery schedule has been published for either system, and the ministry has not said how many missiles of each type it plans to acquire.
The purchases mark a notable shift for a country whose armed forces have not previously possessed a deep-strike capability, and they form part of a wider Danish defence build-up that has also included expanding the F-35 fleet.
