The U.S. Department of Defense has confirmed approval for a potential $8.5 billion Foreign Military Sale to Denmark involving Patriot PAC-3 MSE air and missile defense systems. With congressional notification completed, Copenhagen is set to field one of the most advanced U.S.-made ground-based defense capabilities.
The package includes 36 GEM-T missiles, 20 PAC-3 MSE interceptors, two radar sets, control stations, launchers, Integrated Battle Command System (IBCS) components, communications and encryption equipment, training simulators, spare parts, and full logistical support.
This marks Denmark’s first-ever acquisition of the Patriot system, a significant leap from its current short-range defenses like Stinger and Mistral. The addition of Patriot transforms Denmark’s air defense structure, giving it the ability to defend national territory and NATO allies against ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, and advanced air threats.
At the core of this capability is the PAC-3 MSE interceptor, which employs a hit-to-kill approach for maximum effectiveness against high-speed and maneuvering ballistic targets. With extended range and altitude, it provides Denmark with a layered defense strategy when combined with GEM-T missiles.
Crucially, Denmark’s Patriots will be IBCS-enabled, ensuring seamless integration with NATO’s wider defense network. This allows Danish radars to share targeting data with allied launchers and vice versa, enhancing Europe’s collective missile shield.
Given Denmark’s location at the entrance to the Baltic Sea and Arctic routes, the acquisition carries strategic weight for NATO’s northeastern flank. It underscores Denmark’s shift toward a more robust territorial defense posture and its commitment as a reliable alliance partner.
The program’s main contractors will be RTX Corporation, Lockheed Martin, and Northrop Grumman. Alongside training and logistics support, this acquisition closes a long-standing capability gap and establishes Denmark as a leading adopter of next-generation integrated air defense in Europe.
