Denmark’s Multi-System Air Defence Strategy: How NASAMS, IRIS-T SLM & MICA VL Will Protect Its Skies

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Denmark has opted to procure three different short-range ground-based air defence systems simultaneously. This strategic move aims to ensure full operational readiness by 2026, addressing urgent security concerns and reinforcing national defence capabilities.

A Tri-System Approach to Air Defence

On June 10, 2025, the Danish Ministry of Defence announced the selection of three air defence systems from different manufacturers across three countries:

  • NASAMS (Norwegian firm Kongsberg)



  • IRIS-T SLM (German company Diehl Defence)



  • MICA VL (French manufacturer MBDA)


This decision was driven by the need for rapid deployment and effective air protection for civilian populations, military installations, and critical infrastructure. Denmark received 10 offers from suppliers in Germany, Norway, France, Italy, Turkey, and Israel before finalizing its selection.

Why Three Systems Instead of One?

Denmark’s approach breaks conventional procurement norms. Typically, nations select a single system to streamline logistics and integration. However, Denmark’s urgent security needs required fast implementation, and no single manufacturer could deliver multiple systems within the required timeframe. As a result, Denmark opted for a multi-system solution, ensuring comprehensive coverage and redundancy.

Technical Capabilities of the Selected Systems

Each system brings unique strengths to Denmark’s air defence network:

NASAMS (Norwegian Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile System)

  • Manufacturer: Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace (Norway)

  • Missile Type: AIM-120 AMRAAM

  • Range: Up to 50 km (AMRAAM-ER variant)

  • Speed: Mach 4+

  • Guidance System: Active radar homing

  • Radar: AN/MPQ-64F1 Sentinel X-band radar

  • Launch Platform: Mobile truck-mounted launchers

  • Operational Use: Deployed by 13 nations, including the U.S., Norway, and Ukraine

IRIS-T SLM (Infrared Imaging System Tail/Thrust Vector-Controlled, Surface Launched Medium Range)

  • Manufacturer: Diehl Defence (Germany)

  • Missile Type: IRIS-T SLM

  • Range: 40 km

  • Speed: Mach 3

  • Guidance System: Imaging infrared terminal guidance

  • Warhead: 11.4 kg fragmentation warhead

  • Launch Platform: Truck-mounted vertical launchers

  • Operational Use: Used by Germany, Sweden, and Ukraine

MICA VL (Missile d’Interception, de Combat et d’Autodéfense, Vertical Launch)

  • Manufacturer: MBDA (France)

  • Missile Type: MICA VL

  • Range: 20 km

  • Speed: Mach 3

  • Guidance System: Dual-mode active/passive radar homing

  • Warhead: High-explosive fragmentation

  • Launch Platform: Vertical launch system

  • Operational Use: Used by France, Egypt, and Indonesia

Financial and Strategic Considerations

The total cost of this procurement exceeds 6 billion Danish kroner (approximately 800 million euros). The funding comes from Denmark’s Accelerationsfonden, a special defence budget designed to fast-track military acquisitions.

This decision also aligns with NATO modernization efforts, addressing capability gaps exposed by recent conflicts. Denmark eliminated its ground-based air defence in 2004, relying on F-16 patrols and allied coverage. However, recent Russian precision strikes and Baltic Sea reconnaissance intrusions highlighted vulnerabilities, prompting Denmark to act swiftly.

Challenges in Integration

Deploying three different air defence systems presents technical challenges, particularly in battle management command (BMC2) architecture. Denmark must establish:

  • Common tactical picture integration across three sensor networks

  • Deconfliction protocols to prevent fratricide between overlapping engagement zones

  • Standardized rules of engagement to accommodate different missile flight profiles

Denmark’s dual-track procurement strategy involves acquiring temporary systems now while working toward a permanent solution. A final decision on long-term air defence systems is expected later this year.

This bold move signals Denmark’s commitment to national security, NATO readiness, and modernized defence strategies. By 2026, Denmark will have a fully operational air defence network, setting a precedent for rapid military procurement in Europe.

Operational Deployment and Training Strategy

Denmark’s ambitious plan for integrating three distinct air defence systems requires a comprehensive training program for personnel and rigorous testing to ensure operational efficiency.

  • Training Program: The Danish military has initiated a multi-phase training strategy, focusing on system-specific operator training, integration exercises, and real-world simulation drills.

  • Testing & Validation: The systems will undergo joint live-fire exercises before full deployment to ensure interoperability.

  • Command & Control Optimization: Engineers are working to develop a unified command-and-control framework that allows seamless coordination between the NASAMS, IRIS-T SLM, and MICA VL units.

By mid-2026, Denmark expects to have all three systems fully operational and integrated into its national defence framework, capable of countering threats such as drones, cruise missiles, and advanced aerial intrusions.

Strategic Implications for Denmark and NATO

Denmark’s decision to fast-track air defence procurement holds significant strategic implications within NATO’s broader defence structure.

  • Strengthening Baltic Defences: With Russian incursions becoming more frequent near the Baltic Sea, Denmark’s move strengthens the alliance’s northern flank.

  • Allied Interoperability: The combination of Norwegian, German, and French systems provides greater compatibility within NATO’s shared defence architecture.

  • Future Expansion: Denmark may later opt for longer-range solutions, such as Patriot systems or extended-range naval defence capabilities.

This procurement sets a precedent for rapid multi-system deployment that could inspire other NATO members facing urgent security concerns.

Combat History in Ukraine: Effectiveness of Denmark’s Selected Air Defence Systems

Denmark’s newly acquired NASAMS, IRIS-T SLM, and MICA VL have all been deployed in Ukraine, proving their effectiveness in real combat scenarios.

NASAMS in Ukraine

NASAMS has been a critical component of Ukraine’s air defence since its deployment:

  • Intercept Rate: Reports indicate a 94% success rate against Russian cruise missiles and drones.

  • Protection of Kyiv: NASAMS has been used to defend Kyiv and other major cities from aerial attacks.

  • Multi-Target Engagement: The system has successfully intercepted multiple incoming threats simultaneously, showcasing its reliability.

IRIS-T SLM in Ukraine

Germany supplied IRIS-T SLM to Ukraine, where it has demonstrated exceptional performance:

  • High Effectiveness: Ukrainian officials report a 99% interception rate against aerial threats.

  • Combat Success: IRIS-T SLM intercepted and destroyed 44 Kh-55 cruise missiles launched from Russian bombers.

  • Operational Reliability: The system has exceeded expectations in terms of hit accuracy, reliability, and lethality, even in adverse weather conditions.

MICA VL in Ukraine

While MICA VL has not been widely reported in Ukraine, its combat-proven capabilities in other conflicts suggest it would be effective in similar scenarios.

MICA VL has been used in various military operations:

  • French Naval Operations: The system is deployed on French warships, providing close-range air defence against enemy aircraft and missiles.

  • Egyptian and Indonesian Defence: Both nations use MICA VL for ground-based air defence, ensuring protection against aerial threats.

A Bold Move in European Defence

Denmark’s tri-system acquisition stands as a rare example of innovation in military procurement. The urgency behind this decision reflects both growing geopolitical tensions and the country’s commitment to defence modernization. While challenges remain in integration and deployment, Denmark’s move demonstrates a proactive stance in safeguarding national and regional security.

By 2026, Denmark will have a multi-layered, highly adaptable air defence network, ensuring robust protection for its airspace and setting a benchmark for modern military acquisitions.

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