Media: Govt plans major defense boost with billions

The Danish government is reportedly ready to boost defense spending by about 50 billion kroner, according to Altinget, to accelerate military upgrading. The money, in addition to the 155 billion from June 2023’s defense deal, will partly come from increased borrowing and Defense savings. Initiatives include bolstering the Army’s brigade and extending conscription from four to eleven months, increasing conscripts from 4,700 to 5,000, writes TV 2 who also claims the boost will be for 40 billion kroner. Amidst criticism from NATO members over its Ukraine-focused defense budget, Denmark’s move could help meet the 2% GDP spending goal set by NATO, discounting Ukraine aid. Simultaneously, Denmark has pledged another military package to Ukraine worth 2.3 billion kroner, consisting of artillery, in coordination with allies and funded by the Ukraine Fund.