Elbit defence systems delayed and over budget

Denmark’s defense acquisition of Elbit fire support systems faces delays and may cost up to one billion kroner more than expected, said Defense Minister Troels Lund Poulsen. The PULS and ATMOS systems are delayed by one year because their setup requires additional vehicles, personnel, and infrastructure not accounted for originally. The integration process into brigade units necessitates further installation work such as cabling and tactical radios. The decision to buy the systems was made without complete information, leading to a significant potential overrun, to be covered by defense budget funds. An existing independent legal inquiry into the procurement, started in October, will be expanded. The systems are anticipated to be operational by the end of 2026, and the defense command believes this delay won’t affect Denmark’s NATO readiness.