Denmark has finalized a significant $610 million agreement with U.S. defense contractor Lockheed Martin to enhance its air surveillance capabilities. This contract, attributed to the “essential security interests” of Denmark, involves the procurement of three TPY-4 fixed air defense radars, with an option for a fourth unit. The acquisition was officially announced by the Danish Ministry of Defense Acquisition and Logistics Organization (DALO) in December 2022.
These advanced radars will be strategically deployed in key locations across Danish territory, including Skagen at the northern tip of Denmark, Bornholm in the Baltic Sea, and the Faroe Islands. Additionally, there are plans to position one radar in eastern Greenland, a remote area known for its limited surveillance infrastructure. The region’s isolation and sparse population make this enhancement particularly vital for Denmark’s national security.
According to a notice published on January 20, 2023, on Tenders Electronics Daily, a public procurement platform affiliated with the European Union, DALO emphasized the necessity of directly awarding the contract to Lockheed Martin. The notice stated, “The radars constitute a core element of the country’s air surveillance, and the capability is thus essential to the effective functioning of its national air defense.”
The backdrop to this procurement includes heightened tensions between Denmark and the United States surrounding Greenland, an autonomous territory of Denmark. In 2019, former U.S. President Donald Trump expressed an interest in acquiring Greenland, a statement that sparked significant diplomatic discussions. During the recent World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, on January 21, Trump clarified that he does not intend to pursue military action regarding Greenland, attempting to alleviate some concerns.
This move by Denmark also reflects a broader trend in the Nordic region, where neighboring countries are investing in similar radar technologies. Sweden placed an order for an undisclosed number of TPY-4 units in June 2025, while Norway has already integrated 11 of these radars into its defense system, having purchased additional units in 2024.
As Denmark continues to bolster its air defense capabilities, the partnership with Lockheed Martin marks a significant step in adapting to evolving security challenges in the Arctic and surrounding regions.
