Denmark Drops Barak MX Air Defense Plan, Shifts Focus to Faster Combat Capabilities

Denmark has decided not to proceed with the purchase of the Israeli-made Barak MX air and missile defense system, opting instead to redirect resources toward capabilities that can deliver quicker battlefield impact. The decision follows an internal military assessment that emphasized speed and near-term readiness.

As reported by industry sources, Denmark’s Defense Command advised that funding earmarked for the Barak MX program would be better spent on initiatives that strengthen ground-based air defense more rapidly. The recommendation highlighted the need to prioritize systems that can be deployed and made operational in the shortest possible time frame, particularly as regional security concerns grow.

According to reports, the Danish government accepted this guidance after reviewing the military technical evaluation of its air defense needs. Officials have indicated that the goal is to ensure a faster and more effective buildup of national air defense capabilities, rather than committing to a system that may take longer to integrate.

Earlier reporting suggested that the Israeli proposal included advanced counter-drone features, including soft kill options that are not currently available in Denmark’s inventory. Despite this, authorities concluded that alternative solutions could better meet immediate operational demands. It remains unclear which system Copenhagen may pursue as a replacement.

The decision comes amid rising concern over drone activity in and around Danish airspace, including incidents affecting civilian airports and increased unmanned aircraft activity across Europe. Denmark is also in the early stages of a broader air defense modernization effort, with significant investment planned for medium and long-range systems as part of a multi-year upgrade strategy.