Denmark’s Ministry of Defence has decided not to proceed with the acquisition of the Israeli-made Barak MX Integrated Air and Missile Defense (IAMD) system. This decision follows a recommendation from the Defence Command, which suggested exploring “other initiatives with greater immediate combat power.” The announcement was made on March 15, 2024, by Denmark’s Minister of Defence, Troels Lund Poulsen, who emphasized the importance of selecting the most appropriate military capabilities for rapid development.
The Defence Command provided a “clear military-technical position” regarding the development of ground-based air defense. Minister Poulsen stated that the government would adhere to these recommendations to ensure effective defense capabilities. The Command specifically advised that resources earmarked for the implementation of the Barak MX should instead focus on initiatives that can be operationalized more quickly, particularly in the area of ground-based air defense.
The decision to forgo the Barak order comes after a report from DR, Denmark’s public broadcaster, highlighted that Israel’s offer included a “soft kill solution against drones.” This capability, which existing Danish systems lack, has become increasingly relevant given recent incidents involving drones, including a significant disruption at Copenhagen airport last September. Following that incident, Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen remarked that she “could not rule out” Russian involvement, underscoring the urgency to enhance Denmark’s defense capabilities against aerial threats.
Denmark’s search for an alternative to the Barak MX, produced by Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI), remains uncertain. The Ministry of Defence has not yet disclosed any specific systems under consideration. In contrast, neighboring Slovakia recently secured the Barak MX system for €560 million (approximately $583 million), reflecting the system’s appeal to other nations.
As drone incidents have become more prevalent, Denmark’s need for effective short-range and counter-drone capabilities has intensified. In response, the Danish government is undertaking a significant modernization of its air defense strategy. In September 2023, Denmark committed approximately 58 billion krone (around $9.1 billion) to enhance its long- and medium-range defense systems, including the acquisition of the French-Italian SAMP/T platform.
This shift in Denmark’s defense strategy emphasizes the importance of immediate operational readiness in light of evolving threats in the European security landscape. The focus on counter-drone capabilities illustrates the challenges nations face in adapting to new forms of warfare and ensuring the safety of their airspace.
