Denmark has chosen the Franco-Italian SAMP/T air defense system over U.S. Patriots, in a massive win for Paris and a blow to Donald Trump.
“The Danish Armed Forces are building a ground-based air defence that can protect civilians, military targets and critical infrastructure from threats from the air,” the Danish defense ministry said Friday.
“For the long-range system, the Franco-Italian-produced SAMP/T will be procured, while for the medium-range systems, a choice will be made between one or more systems from the Norwegian-produced NASAMS, the German IRIS-T, and the French VL MICA,” the statement continues.
The race that pitted the SAMP/T against the Patriot was closely watched — it was the first test of Europe’s willingness to limit procurement from the U.S. in reaction to Trump’s unreliability. Copenhagen was also targeted by the U.S. president with repeated threats to annex Greenland, an autonomous part of the Kingdom of Denmark.
Denmark’s choice is also a win for Paris, as recently appointed Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu had intensively lobbied other European capitals when he was armed forces minister to convince them the SAMP/T next generation is better than the Patriot.
Denmark is the first European country besides France and Italy to purchase the SAMP/T system — which is made by MBDA and Thales.
“The systems have been selected based on an overall assessment of operational, economic, and strategic factors,” the Danish defense ministry said.
The overall costs related to the purchase and operation of ground-based air and missile defense systems are estimated at 58 billion kroner (€7.7 billion).
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