Thu Sep 18 05:04:01 UTC 2025: ## Denmark Announces Acquisition of Long-Range Weapons in Response to Russian Threat
**COPENHAGEN** – Denmark will acquire long-range, high-precision weapons for the first time, Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen announced Wednesday, citing a need to deter Russia, which she believes will remain a threat for “years to come.”
Speaking to reporters, Frederiksen described the move as a “paradigm shift in Danish defence policy” that would provide a “credible deterrence” against potential Russian aggression. According to her the new weapons will allow the Danish armed forces to “hit targets at long range and, for example, neutralise enemy missile threats.”
While Defence Minister Troels Lund Poulsen indicated the government plans to build up its arsenal with missiles and drones, he did not specify the exact types of weapons being considered. The announcement follows Denmark’s recent record-breaking arms purchase of European-made air defence systems, valued at 58 billion Danish crowns ($9.2 billion). Earlier this year, Frederiksen urged the military to rapidly increase spending after decades of cuts, allocating 50 billion crowns ($7.9 billion) for military expansion over the next two years.
The exact financial commitment to the long-range weapons program remains unclear.
Denmark’s increased focus on defense comes amidst growing concerns about Russia’s actions in the region. Frederiksen has also been vocal in her criticism of other international actors, including former U.S. President Donald Trump’s expressed interest in acquiring Greenland, a semi-autonomous Danish territory. Recently, Denmark summoned the US charge d’affaires amid allegations of covert US attempts to sway Greenlanders’ opinions.
Meanwhile, Ukraine is set to receive a boost in its weapons supply through the Priority Ukraine Requirements List (PURL) initiative, with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expecting $3.5-$3.6 billion in aid by October. This comes as Russia continues sustained attacks in southern Ukraine, with increased missile and drone attacks reported throughout September. Despite these attacks, Zelenskyy remains confident in Ukraine’s ability to defend itself, stating that Russia lacks the strength for large-scale offensives due to heavy manpower losses.
In other news, Lithuanian prosecutors have charged 15 individuals in connection with explosive DHL parcels discovered across Europe last year, alleging the operation was orchestrated by Russian operatives linked to military intelligence.
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