Denmark’s Chief of Defense, Michael Hyldgaard, has acknowledged the risk of mistakes as the nation undertakes a rapid strengthening of its defense capabilities, a mission mandated by the government.

With the directive from Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen to “buy, buy, buy,” Hyldgaard recognizes the potential for errors due to the accelerated pace of acquisitions.

Hyldgaard stated that while the Defense is continuously working to avoid mistakes, “a risk” remains, emphasizing the importance of acknowledging and correcting errors when they occur.

Defense Minister Troels Lund Poulsen has also admitted the likelihood of mistakes during the build-up process.

Poulsen stated in February, he would “rather make some mistakes and make the necessary build-up than sit and stare into the air”.

To expedite the process, Hyldgaard was granted expanded purchasing powers. However, significant equipment acquisitions aligned with NATO capability targets still require negotiation.

The Chief of Defense noted that the accelerated build-up is leading to a “bit more patchwork” approach to defense purchases.

Illustrating this approach, Hyldgaard cited the example of the heavy brigade, which will incorporate APCs, Piranhas, and soon, Patria vehicles, based on availability and deployment speed.

Another example is air defense. Hyldgaard stated, “It may well be that there is one system I would like to have, but if I can get a capacity out of assembling from different systems, that would be what I advocate”.

Defense Minister Troels Lund Poulsen announced on Tuesday that short-range ground-based air defense systems will be supplied to Denmark by manufacturers from Germany, France, and Norway.

Air defense systems are being purchased from German Diehl Defense and French MBDA France, while leasing will take place from Kongsberg from Norway.