On March 29, 2025, the Danish Ministry of Defense announced the acquisition of several hundred naval mines. This strategic procurement, financed through the Acceleration Fund, aims to strengthen Denmark’s ability to control and defend its internal waters while supporting NATO’s collective defense and deterrence posture. The move comes amid heightened security concerns in the Baltic Sea and North Atlantic regions, where increased Russian military activity—such as submarine patrols, hybrid operations, and naval provocations—has raised the threat level for NATO’s northern flank.
According to Danish Minister of Defense Troels Lund Poulsen, the deployment of these naval mines will significantly increase the combat power of the Danish Armed Forces, particularly in the strategically vital maritime corridors surrounding the country. “The acquisition of several hundred naval mines strengthens our defense in internal Danish waters. This is crucial in light of the current security policy situation, where Denmark’s geographical location plays a central role,” Poulsen stated.
Naval mines are a critical element of maritime warfare, offering a low-cost yet highly effective solution for area denial and territorial control. For Denmark, whose geography includes the narrow straits of the Danish archipelago and proximity to the increasingly contested Baltic Sea, these mines provide a powerful tool to deter and delay potential adversaries.
The newly acquired mines are expected to be delivered between 2027 and 2029 and were procured following a recommendation by the Danish Chief of Defense. Their deployment is set to enhance Denmark’s capability to secure key maritime access points, block unauthorized naval movements, and strengthen NATO’s collective deterrence posture in the region.