Danish Defence Agreement 2013-2017

Substantial streamlining
The agreement establishes that as of 2017, the defence must save 2.7 billion DKK annually in order to contribute to the coherence of the public finances, with the purpose of correcting Denmark’s course. The agreement implicates that the annual defence expenditure will be reduced by 2.5 billion DKK in 2015, 2.6 billion in 2016, and 2.7 billion as of 2017. This is done by initiating streamlining measures already from 2013, and at the same time creating financial latitude for development initiatives. It is possible, though, to streamline the defence without having to slim down its ability to solve the operative core tasks.

Defence operations
In later years, the defence has been transformed from a traditional mobilizing defence to a modern defence. Nevertheless, the defence must continue to modernize and adapt to future tasks. The agreement ensures a continued efficient, up-to-date defence, which at the same time is geared to meet new challenges, in the Arctic and in the cyber area, among others. Thus, Denmark will continue to have a well-equipped and well-trained defence, prepared for participation in international missions, whenever it is needed.

Development initiatives
When Denmark pulls out its battle units from Afghanistan at the end of 2014, the army will need to adapt to new challenges and be prepared for fast deployment, while at the same time maintaining the ability to carry out longer missions.

The Danish defence must adapt to the development in the Arctic. A joint services’ Arctic Command has already been established in Nuuk. However, the development does not end here. Among other things, it has been agreed to procure new ship-based helicopters and a new inspection vessel, and to carry out tests with drones and surveillance satellites, among other things.

The defence must invest in the cyber area, with a view to the increased vulnerability to attacks on it-infrastructures of society and the defence, among other things. This will strengthen the Centre for Cyber Security, which participates in the protection of the combined critical it-infrastructures of society. In addition to this, in continuation of the former agreement, a military capacity is established, which will be able to carry out defensive and offensive military operations in cyberspace.

National service
The parties to the agreement agree to maintain national service, as the number of conscripts will be adapted to the current need from abt. 5,000 persons annually to abt. 4,200 persons annually. Women can still be employed on conscription-like conditions. The Day of the Defence is also maintained as a compulsory information day for all men in the year they turn 18 years.

Establishments
The parties to the agreement agree that there is a potential for optimizing the establishment structure. Based on a recent analysis of the military establishments and barracks in Denmark an amendment was made to the Defence Agreement on 11 Marts 2013. Amongst other things the national support deport at The Danish International Logistic Centre in Vordingborg was integrated with a similar structure in Skrydstrup, the Army units at Bülows Barracks are moved to Ryes Barracks and the Army’s Sergeant School is moved from Sønderborg to Varde.

Agreement regarding the future organisation of the leadership of Danish Defence
On 10 Arpil 2014 a broad political was reach regarding the future organisation of the leadership of Danish Defence. The agreement will ensure a more efficient and slimmer future organisation with an increased focus on joint solutions and capabilities and the ability to continually meet and fulfil our international and national obligations.

The Danish Defence Command will be abolished in its current form and a new Joint Defence Command will be established and the Chief of Defence will be co-located with the Ministry of Defence with parts of his staff.

Resources, Planning and Personnel strategy will become integrated parts of the new Ministry of Defence. Supporting agencies for materiel and acquisition, personnel and infrastructure will be subordinated to the Ministry of Defence.

The Joint Defence Command will include the operational elements of the current Defence Command as well as the Admiral Danish Fleet, the Army Operational Command, the Tactical Air Command and the Arctic Command. Furthermore, a Special Operations Command will be established as part of the new Joint Defence Command. The aim is also to increase focus on the Arctic as well as on special operations forces in the new headquarters. The Joint Defence Command will be situated in Copenhagen as well as in Karup, Jutland. Arctic Command will remain in Nuuk, Greenland, and the Special Operations Command will be established in Aalborg.

When fully implemented, the new organisation of the Danish Defence will result in an estimated annual saving of 170 million Danish Kroner, which will contribute to the implementation of the current Defence Agreement 2013 – 2017. The political parties have also decided to increase funds to support veterans.

The Danish Defence Agreement 2013-2017 (pdf)