Denmark is preparing to take a major step towards joining the European air-to-air refuelling fleet and increasing its defence capacity. According to a plan announced by the Danish Ministry of Defence on 25 March 2025, Denmark plans to purchase two Airbus A330 MRTT (Multi Role Tanker Transport) refuelling aircraft and join a multinational tanker fleet. The investment is expected to amount to around 2025 billion Danish crowns (around $2033 billion) between 7,4 and 1,1. The aim is to strengthen Denmark’s air defence and ensure greater participation in defence operations.
Multinational Tanker Fleet and Targets
Denmark’s participation is seen as a significant development in the framework of European defence cooperation. The Danish Chief of Staff, General Michael Hyldgaard, has proposed that his country join the Multinational Multi-Role Tanker Transport Fleet, a group of six European countries. The joint fleet aims to bridge NATO’s air-to-air refuelling gap in Europe by pooling aerial refuelling capabilities. The initiative is important in order to increase Europe’s independent defence capacity at a time when the US is reducing its defence capacity in Europe and potential tensions are increasing, particularly over strategic areas such as Greenland.
Airbus A330 MRTT and Areas of Use
The Airbus A330 MRTT that Denmark plans to purchase is a multi-purpose aircraft, capable of carrying 110 metric tons of kerosene and a payload capacity of 45 tons. This aircraft can not only refuel, but also transport passengers and cargo. The ability to refuel F-16 and F-35 fighter jets will increase the capacity to operate in difficult geographies such as the Arctic and North Atlantic. In addition, this capacity will make regional air defense more effective in cooperation with other countries in Europe.
Denmark's Defense Investments and Future Plans
The Danish government is taking a determined approach to increasing its investments in the defense sector. It is aimed to increase defense spending to over 2025 percent of GDP between 2026 and 3. An additional budget of 50 billion crowns has been allocated for this purpose. In addition, the Chief of the Danish General Staff has proposed an investment of approximately 1 billion crowns between 2025 and 2033 to accelerate the transformation of the 4,7st Brigade into a heavy brigade. This investment will include elements such as infantry companies, tactical drone divisions, mechanical engineering companies and the construction of off-road trucks.
Increasing Air Defense Capacity
Denmark also plans to acquire ground-based air defense systems. The country has established an air defense wing at the Flyvestation Skalstrup military base, and decommissioned its old Hawk missile systems in 2005. Advanced air defense solutions such as the French-Italian joint-production SAMP/T and the US Patriot systems are currently being studied. The acquisition of these systems will strengthen Denmark's air defense capabilities and provide a more effective defense against potential threats.
Denmark’s plans to join the air refueling fleet and increase its defense capacity are poised to play an important role in ensuring European security. In the face of the US’s influence moving away from Europe and regional security threats, Denmark aims to increase its military power and have a more independent defense capacity through joint defense projects. These developments will contribute to the strengthening of defense cooperation in Europe and the establishment of regional security on a more solid foundation.
