The United States has approved a possible Foreign Military Sale to Denmark of AGM-114R Hellfire missiles and related equipment, with an estimated value of $45 million, according to a notice issued by the Defense Security Cooperation Agency.
In the notification to Congress, the State Department said Denmark has requested “up to one hundred (100) AGM-114R Hellfire Missiles; three (3) AGM-114R Captive Air Test Missiles; six (6) Hellfire (Longbow) M299 Hellfire Launchers; two (2) MHU-191/M trailers; and three (3) BRU-14’s”. The proposed sale also includes non-major defence equipment such as “containers, training aids, weapon software, training, support equipment, spare and repair parts, publications and technical documentation, transportation; U.S. Government and contractor engineering, technical and logistical support services”.
According to the State Department, the package is intended to support U.S. foreign policy and national security objectives “by improving the security of a NATO ally that is a force for political stability and economic progress in Europe”. The notice adds that the sale would enhance Denmark’s ability to meet current and future threats while ensuring interoperability with U.S. and allied forces.
The agency said the proposed transfer would “not alter the basic military balance in the region” and that Denmark would have “no difficulty absorbing these articles and services into its armed forces”. It also stated there would be “no adverse impact on U.S. defense readiness” as a result of the sale.
Lockheed Martin Missile and Defense, based in Ocala, Florida, has been identified as the principal contractor. The DSCA noted that it is “not aware of any offset agreement proposed in connection with this potential sale” and that no additional U.S. government or contractor personnel would be required to deploy to Denmark to support the programme.
As with all such notifications, the quantities and cost represent the maximum potential scope of the deal. The DSCA said the “actual dollar value will be lower depending on final requirements, budget authority, and signed sales agreement(s), if and when concluded”.
Make up your mind Denmark, come on.
I wish they would make up their mind – and order Type 31’s 😁
They need a couple of 212 type submarines, something that could really threaten a USN CBG.
A few months ago, the Danish parliament approved the purchase of 16 additional F-35 fighter jets, expanding their planned fleet from 27 to 43 aircraft — and they’re currently trying to speed up the process with the international F-35 programme office.
So they really don’t seem too concerned… 😬
“The spice must flow”
Given the current circumstances you’d think Brimstone would be a more secure choice.
Well the Ukrainians use T72’s on Russians, so why not.
I’ve been looking into US interest in Greenland recently to see how far it goes back. There’s obviously more to it than this, but here’s my summary in case anyone is interested. Feel free to challenge anything or add your own points.
The United States’ interest in Greenland has a long history rooted in strategy. It dates back to the mid-19th century, when the US was expanding territorially and consolidating its position in the North Atlantic. After purchasing Alaska from Russia in 1867, policymakers briefly explored acquiring other Arctic territories. In 1868, the State Department even commissioned a report on the potential purchase of Greenland and Iceland from Denmark, motivated by trade routes, fisheries, whaling, and strategic positioning. Although nothing came of it, Greenland became recognized as a long-term American interest.
Greenland’s strategic importance became more concrete during the Second World War. When Nazi Germany occupied Denmark in 1940, Greenland was exposed and vulnerable. The United States stepped in to prevent German access, negotiating with Danish officials in exile. During the war, the US built airfields, weather stations, and other infrastructure, effectively assuming responsibility for Greenland’s defence. This embedded the island firmly in American thinking about North Atlantic security.
In 1946, as the Cold War emerged, the United States formally offered Denmark 100 million dollars ($1.6 billion in today’s money) to purchase Greenland. The island’s location was ideal for strategic bomber routes, early warning systems, and defence against the Soviet Union. Denmark rejected the offer, but the US retained a permanent military presence, establishing Thule Air Base (now Pituffik Space Base) between 1951 and 1953. The base became a key element of NATO defence planning and a hub for strategic nuclear bomber routes and early-warning radar, highlighting Greenland’s centrality to North American and European security.
Throughout the Cold War, Greenland remained a cornerstone of American and NATO strategy. During this period, Greenland’s political landscape evolved with home rule granted by Denmark in 1979, giving it greater autonomy and a stronger voice in international affairs. It hosted radar installations, early warning systems, and airfields linked to the DEW Line (Distant Early Warning Line) — a network of Arctic radar stations across Canada, Alaska, Greenland, and Iceland. These stations were designed to detect incoming Soviet bombers or missiles and provide early warning for North American defence. Denmark tolerated extensive US activity because it lacked the capacity to defend Greenland independently and because NATO interests aligned with American objectives. Greenland also served as a strategic Arctic buffer, controlling key North Atlantic air and sea routes.
After the Cold War, US attention waned but never disappeared. Thule continued operating as a missile warning and space surveillance site. Interest in Greenland revived in the 2000s and 2010s, driven by missile defence upgrades, the opening of new Arctic shipping routes due to ice melt, and the prospect of rare earth mineral exploration, all of which increased US strategic focus. Russian and Chinese activity in the Arctic further highlighted Greenland’s geopolitical significance.
I’ll stop here because everyone knows the rest.
You left out possibly the most important bit in your timeline. The Treaty of the Danish West Indies. In which the United States formally accepted the Danish right to control Greenland. Ratified by the senate, still in force today.
Interestingly Trump has in a press conference today turned around and essentially stated they can either buy it or they will take it but they are having it… looks like he’s willing to lose NATO and Europe as allies to gain sovereignty over Greenland.. let’s be clear this has nothing to do with defence as the US has basing rights to in essence put whatever troops they want their.. this is about resource exploitation.
Trump is only going to be around for a certain amount of time ( but can cause loads of damage in that time) it seems his meeting with the oil companies today,didnt go too well when they found they would be footing the entire bill for rebuilding Venezuela oil industry and had to right off there prior claims for compensation for the assets that were nationalised
Guess the Danes can fire them straight back at the Spams