Denmark wants to achieve the NATO target of two percent next year. Sensational turnaround at the front? Counterattacks on Russia on the ground and from the air

Denmark wants to achieve the two percent target for all NATO members next year. The Scandinavian country will then invest 2.4 percent of its gross domestic product in defense.

Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen announced this on Wednesday. The significant increase will enable accelerated investments in military capabilities, a tightening of conscription and continued military support to Ukraine. Last year, Denmark spent about 1.4 percent of economic output on its own defense, while about 0.6 percent was used to support Ukraine.

“We are arming ourselves to prevent war,” Frederiksen said at the press conference. The additional billions for Danish defense will be used, among other things, for the planned creation of the first Danish brigade for NATO emergency forces. This brigade should be able to field up to 6,000 soldiers who could form part of NATO’s high alert forces, the Ministry of Defense said. The establishment of the brigade was delayed for years.

In addition, a tightening of military service is planned. The government proposes to extend military service from 4 to 11 months and achieve full gender equality. (rbu/sda/dpa)