A new Danish defense manufacturer has received government approval to produce military rockets at a former airbase in Jutland, marking a milestone for Denmark’s domestic weapons industry.
Rocket Production Approved at SkyPro Facility
The Danish company SkyPro will soon begin producing artillery rockets in Vandel, near Billund, after receiving full clearance from the Ministry of Defense and other national authorities. The company plans to produce up to 10,000 rockets annually once operations begin next summer.
The facility is housed in 37 former NATO bunkers, originally built during the Cold War to store large quantities of munitions. These hardened structures are now being repurposed for modern defense production under strict security measures that include 24-hour surveillance and motion sensors.
According to SkyPro, their rockets are compatible with both Denmark’s new PULS launch system, recently purchased from Israel, and the American HIMARS systems used in Ukraine. The rockets will be produced using Serbian EdePro technology, giving each unit a range of approximately 40 kilometers.
International Oversight and Cooperation
The approval process for SkyPro’s production permit took over a year, involving close scrutiny by Denmark’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Justice, and the Defense Intelligence Service. This was partly due to Serbia’s ties with Russia and earlier restrictions on weapons exports to Western Europe. After a detailed review, Danish authorities concluded the project could proceed safely and in accordance with international standards.
SkyPro has also invited representatives from EdePro to join its ownership structure and expects to achieve NATO certification for its rockets by 2026. Each rocket will contain around 24 kilograms of explosives and cost roughly 75,000 Danish kroner.
Boost for Danish Defense Industry
SkyPro’s launch aligns with Denmark’s broader efforts to expand national defense production. In recent years, the Danish government has committed more than 350 billion kroner to defense investments. These efforts have intensified as regional security concerns grow, reflecting a significant national focus on strengthening military readiness.
This initiative complements other projects linked to Denmark’s defense investments, which aim to increase local production capacity and reduce dependency on foreign suppliers.
Until now, most Danish defense orders have been placed abroad, including deals with companies in Norway, Sweden, France, and the United States. SkyPro will be the first company to produce heavy military material within Denmark’s borders in decades.
Industrial leaders hope this will inspire further domestic partnerships and attract more investment in the Danish defense manufacturing sector. The Confederation of Danish Industry (DI) has described the project as a potential “battering ram” that could open the door for future defense manufacturers in the country.
Employment and Local Impact
If all goes according to plan, SkyPro will employ about 110 engineers and production workers in the coming months. Most of the metalwork will be supplied by Danish subcontractors, while final assembly and testing will take place in Vandel.
Local officials in Vejle Municipality, including the mayor, have welcomed the project and will host public meetings to inform residents. Even though some nearby residents have voiced concerns, city leaders emphasize that the factory has passed all required safety assessments.
The former airbase, now renamed “Defence Valley Vandel,” spans nearly 1,000 hectares. A large part of it already houses a solar energy park, leaving ample space for new defense-related facilities.
Security, Growth, and the Future
SkyPro is currently installing advanced monitoring systems around its production zone, including perimeter alarms and surveillance drones. The company says it has backing from both investors and foreign defense clients, including military contacts in Germany, France, and Finland.
While producing weapons might spark ethical debate, SkyPro argues it is a pragmatic response to Europe’s current security climate. The company projects strong growth and aims to diversify into more missile and rocket systems within the next few years.
In the broader picture, Denmark’s move to revive its weapons production marks a pivotal moment for national security policy. By repurposing an old airbase into a modern rocket factory, the country signals its shift from being a small defense buyer to a capable defense producer ready to support its allies.
Sources and References
The Danish Dream: Denmark invests in defence in the face of rising threats
The Danish Dream: Best accountants in Denmark for foreigners
TV2: Dansk fabrik skal producere militære raketter
