Building a competitive Danish defence industry
Creating a robust defence industrial strategy at speed and scale
Report
Explore priorities for creating a robust Danish defence industrial strategy
Danish defence is at a crossroads. A new strategy is needed to get the best out of industry for Danish defence, to empower partnerships, and to strengthen sovereign security.
As a dedicated NATO member with a strong political and financial commitment to defence, Denmark has significantly improved its security posture. However, Denmark’s existing defence industrial strategy was written for a fundamentally different world – according to our research, over half of Danish citizens say conflict is now more likely today than it was five years ago.
On 4 June 2026, we convened C-suite leaders from the Danish defence industry, government, and academia to discuss how to strengthen the country’s defence industrial base. Based on our research and the insights of defence and security leaders, this report identifies three mutually reinforcing ‘anchors’ for a robust, focused, partnership-based strategy. We also set out a practical, experience-based approach to developing a strategy that ensures clear direction, ownership, and long-term impact.
Three anchors for a stronger defence industrial strategy
The process for developing this strategy should be guided by a clear strategic direction; broad ownership across government, industry, and academia; and governance mechanisms that allow priorities and initiatives to evolve as circumstances change.
Denmark’s strength lies in combining national capabilities with deep integration across its allied partnerships. By making deliberate choices, building on existing industrial strengths, and positioning itself as a trusted, innovative partner in allied value chains, Denmark can strengthen national security while contributing meaningfully to the resilience and competitiveness of the wider Nordic, European, and NATO defence ecosystem.
How we can help
As a trusted global advisor in defence and security, we forge public and private partnerships, apply innovation, and turn insight into tangible local impact. We help European countries rapidly scale civil and military capability – keeping society safe, secure, and resilient against threats at home and abroad.
- Operational readiness: Move from strategy to action with confidence, knowing your forces and systems are fully prepared, interoperable, and ready to respond to threats.
- Civil defence and resilience: Strengthen national resilience, coordinate effectively across your military and communities, and respond to crises with confidence and agility.
- Technology transformation, security, and innovation: Adopt and integrate advanced technologies with confidence, strengthen your cyber and physical security, and respond rapidly to evolving threats while keeping your teams skilled and mission-ready.
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