Denmark withdraws from major NATO exercise

The Danish Armed Forces has cancelled its participation in the 2025 NATO exercise ‘Allied Spirit’ due to budgetary constraints, as reported by Jyllands-Posten from a mail sent by Defense Minister Troels Lund Poulsen to parliamentary defense spokespersons. Torben Ørting Jørgensen, chairman of the defense and preparedness organization Folk og Sikkerhed, declared the cancellation a disaster, highlighting Denmark’s key role and its implications for NATO solidarity and reputation. The exercise is annually led by the United States and Denmark planned to deploy between 2000 and 2500 soldiers from its 1st Brigade. Last year, approximately 500 Danish soldiers participated. The reason for budget insufficiency has not been detailed, but the minister mentioned a comprehensive assessment by the army command. Poulsen declined to comment on the matter when approached by Jyllands-Posten.