Denmark has bought hundreds of sea mines to protect its waters amid increasing concerns over the threat posed by Russia. The nation, which is in a key geographic location, is purchasing several hundred mines to control and block access to Danish waters.
Danish defence minister Troels Lund Poulsen said the mines will strengthen Denmark’s defences which is “crucial in light of the current security policy situation”. NATO ally Denmark lies between the North Sea and Baltic Sea where Russia has a major naval base in St Petersburg. Tensions have been rising in the region amid a series of incidents in which power cables, telecom links and gas pipelines have been damaged since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine – many of which have been blamed on Moscow, something Russia has repeatedly denied.
The incidents have seen a NATO task group deployed to the waters to help protect crucial underwater infrastructure.
Denmark’s new mines are not expected to start being delivered until 2027.
The nation’s ministry of defence said the mines will be an important contribution to overall NATO defence and deterrence in the region.
Søren Kjeldsen, head of the Danish Navy Command, said: “In light of the increased uncertainty in the Baltic Sea, it is crucial that we can respond quickly to threats.
“Sea mines will help ensure our sovereignty and strengthen our ability to handle potential threats and look after the Kingdom.”
The announcement comes weeks after Danish intelligence warned that in the event the war ends in Ukraine, Russia would after two years be capable of waging a war against one or several NATO nations.
The country has pledged to spend more than 3% of its GDP on defence over the next two years, allocating an extra £5.4 billion to its budget.
The investment comes as concerns continue over the Trump administration’s commitment to European and NATO security and tensions between Washington and Copenhagen.
The US wants to take over Greenland – a semi-autonomous territory of Denmark – saying the island is needed for national security purposes.
Donald Trump on Saturday said he was not taking military force “off the table” in regards to acquiring Greenland which is rich in natural resources and offers a number of strategic advantages.
