Denmark has confirmed the purchase of two advanced long-range Danish air defense systems from France and Italy as part of a historic $8.4 billion military buildup. The new systems, nicknamed “Mamba”, are expected to begin deployment by 2028 and could become a common sight on Danish roads.
Denmark Expands Danish Air Defense Capabilities
On Thursday, the Danish Ministry of Defense revealed key details about its new air defense strategy, which includes the acquisition of five out of eight systems already approved as part of a record-breaking military investment totaling nearly 58 billion Danish kroner (approx. $8.4 billion). The objective is clear: improve the country’s ability to defend against aircraft, drones, and ballistic and cruise missiles.
Among these acquisitions are two long-range SAMP/T air defense systems, also known by the nickname “Mamba”, produced jointly by France and Italy. The name is derived from one of the world’s fastest snakes in reference to the system’s speed and agility.
Although not as battle-proven as the American Patriot system, the Mamba offers capabilities that officials believe better suit Denmark’s defense needs—especially versatility, mobility, and complete 360-degree radar coverage.
Danish Air Defense Chooses Advanced French-Italian Technology
The SAMP/T system is built around mobility and flexibility. Each unit consists of at least three heavyweight military trucks: one equipped with a radar, another serving as a command and control center, and one or more launch vehicles. This configuration enables quick repositioning and autonomous operation by a relatively small crew, a departure from larger, more complex systems like Patriot.
Mobility isn’t the only advantage. The radar can detect and track up to 1,000 targets and operate at 360 degrees, enabling the intercept of threats from any direction. The system can engage multiple targets simultaneously, whether drones, fighter aircraft, cruise missiles, or in specific configurations, even ballistic missiles.
The Mamba’s interceptor missiles come in various forms depending on the nature of the threat. For example, neutralizing a low-flying cruise missile might require a shorter-range, more economical missile, while intercepting a high-speed ballistic missile demands a more advanced – and expensive – variant.
Protection Radius and Deployment Plans
The SAMP/T’s maximum range is 150 kilometers (approximately 93 miles), but this range depends heavily on the type of threat. While it can theoretically shoot down incoming objects from that distance, the system is most effective when positioned directly to protect critical targets. That means that not the entire 150-kilometer circle around it is impenetrable, placement strategy is essential.
According to the Danish Armed Forces, the new air defense systems will be positioned to guard key military facilities, major infrastructure sites, and strategic areas involving civilian safety. Among the likely locations are Denmark’s major airbases, Skrydstrup and Karup, as well as zones near the Danish Navy’s frigates, all of which play a vital role in Denmark’s integrated defense system along with the country’s modernized F-35 fighter aircraft.
New Danish Air Defense System Complements Medium-Range Systems
In addition to the Mamba acquisition, Denmark has already committed to three medium-range systems:
- NASAMS: Developed by Norway’s Kongsberg and leased by Denmark, this system can monitor and intercept up to 72 targets simultaneously within a 40–60 km radius and 35 km in altitude. It is already in operation in several countries including Norway, the U.S., Spain, and Ukraine.
- IRIS-T SLM: A German-made system capable of engaging drones, helicopters, and aircraft with a range of up to 40 kilometers and altitude limits of 20 kilometers.
- VL MICA: Produced in France, this missile system uses infrared or radar guidance and has a range of 20 kilometers, offering flexible defense against both low- and medium-altitude threats.
Denmark plans to acquire three additional medium-range systems to round off a total of eight. These will likely be selected from existing systems already in use, either NASAMS, IRIS-T SLM, or VL MICA, though final selections have yet to be announced.
A New Era in Danish Defense
The placement and operation of these systems will be orchestrated from Air Defence Wing, established earlier this year at the Skalstrup Air Base. Although their specific locations remain confidential for operational and security reasons, Defense officials confirm that these missile defense units will be mobile and adaptable depending on where the threat arises. This purchase confirms Denmark’s plan to increase defense spending in general.
As Mamba units begin arriving, likely between 2028 and 2029, Danes should expect to see these high-tech systems patrolling highways and positioning themselves to protect Denmark’s evolving security landscape in a volatile global environment.
