Denmark Approves Coastal Missile Defense Systems Acquisition to Strengthen Baltic Sea Protection.

On April 26, 2025, the Danish Ministry of Defence announced a decisive move to strengthen national and regional security through the acquisition of advanced coastal missile batteries. This strategic procurement, funded by Denmark’s Acceleration Fund and executed based on the Chief of Defence’s recommendation, significantly enhances the country’s defense capabilities amid escalating geopolitical tensions in the Baltic Sea region.
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Denmark eyes Kongsberg’s NSM Coastal Defence System to reinforce Baltic Sea security. (Picture source: Kongsberg)

The acquisition aims to restore a critical layer of coastal defense that Denmark has lacked since the decommissioning of its mobile Harpoon missile batteries in 2003. These new coastal missile systems will provide the Danish Armed Forces with the ability to effectively control maritime traffic in and around Denmark’s internal waters, particularly the vital Danish Straits and the western Baltic Sea. These areas are not only pivotal to Denmark’s national defense but also form the maritime gateway through which NATO forces move between the North Sea and the increasingly contested Baltic region.

According to Danish Defence Minister Troels Lund Poulsen, one of the primary responsibilities of the Danish Armed Forces is to maintain control and freedom of action in Danish waters. With these missile systems deployed along Denmark’s extensive coastline, the country will significantly boost its combat power, as these assets can monitor and, if necessary, deny access to strategic maritime corridors. "This will be absolutely crucial in the current security policy situation," Poulsen stated, emphasizing the regional implications of the deployment.

This initiative comes at a time of heightened tension across Europe, driven largely by continued Russian aggression and military activity near NATO’s eastern flank. As Russian naval forces increase their operations in the Baltic, Denmark finds itself on the front lines of an evolving maritime security landscape. The ability to control key chokepoints such as the Danish Straits will therefore play a pivotal role in both national and alliance-wide defense planning.

Acting Chief of Defence General Michael W. Hyldgaard underlined the urgency and significance of the decision, calling the coastal missile capability a "much-needed" addition to Denmark’s arsenal. He noted that the new systems will enhance deterrence and ensure the Danish Armed Forces are capable of defending their territorial waters against modern threats. “With the acquisition of coastal missile defense systems, we are sending a clear signal—in light of the increased uncertainty in the Baltic Sea—that we can and will defend the Danish coasts and waters,” he said.

While the specific missile system to be acquired has not yet been officially disclosed, defense sources suggest that Denmark is considering the Kongsberg Naval Strike Missile (NSM) Coastal Defence System. This fifth-generation, precision-guided weapon is capable of striking both sea and land targets at extended ranges, making it a formidable choice for coastal defense. Should this system be selected, it would provide Denmark with a modern, survivable, and mobile deterrent capable of responding rapidly to any incursion into its maritime space.

This acquisition is being financed through Denmark’s Acceleration Fund, which allocates 50 billion DKK (approximately $7.6 billion) toward bolstering the country's defense capabilities through 2026. The fund is designed to fast-track high-priority defense projects, enabling swift responses to evolving threats and urgent operational needs. The coastal missile battery program stands as a prime example of the fund’s strategic impact, addressing both immediate deterrence and long-term defense planning.

Although it is still too early to determine when the coastal missile batteries will become fully operational, the Ministry of Defence has indicated that a temporary capability may be introduced in the interim. The timeline for full deployment will depend on factors such as system availability, logistics, infrastructure development, and personnel readiness.

This bold step by Denmark is more than just a defense acquisition—it is a declaration of strategic intent. By reestablishing coastal missile capabilities, Denmark is not only enhancing its own national defense but also contributing significantly to the broader security of Northern Europe and NATO’s deterrence posture in the Baltic Sea. In doing so, Denmark reinforces its status as a steadfast guardian of the region’s maritime gateways and sends a clear message to any potential adversary: its waters are defended, and its resolve is firm.