COPENHAGEN, Denmark

Denmark has finalized a procurement agreement to acquire French Mistral missiles to bolster its short-range air defense capabilities, the Danish Ministry of Defense confirmed Tuesday.

The deal was signed during the Danish royal couple’s three-day state visit to France, with Defense Minister Troels Lund Poulsen in attendance. However, the Danish government has not disclosed the cost or the exact number of missiles purchased, stating only that it involves “several hundred” units.

"This agreement is another important step in strengthening Danish air defense," Poulsen said in a statement. "It highlights our close cooperation with France and enhances Denmark’s combat readiness at a time when Europe faces evolving security challenges."

Denmark's missile acquisition is part of a joint EU defense procurement initiative involving nine European nations, which collectively plan to purchase 1,500 French-made Mistral 3 missiles, according to reports by Olfi, a Danish defense media outlet.

The Mistral missiles are designed to counter low-flying fighter jets, helicopters, and drones, providing essential protection for Denmark’s ground forces. They will be integrated into the army’s 1st Brigade, forming a key component of Denmark’s new short-range air defense system, which is still under development.

In February, Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen announced that Denmark would allocate an additional 50 billion kroner ($7 billion) for defense spending over the next two years, citing an increasing threat from Russia.

Frederiksen told a news conference that the funding was being directed to the military with the message: "Buy, buy, buy. Buy what can contribute to a stronger defense and thus to a stronger deterrence here and now. If we can't get the best equipment, buy the next best thing."