The Danish Armed Forces is an important instrument in ensuring peace and security both in Denmark and internationally.
 
The current security policy situation is characterised by the lack of a conventional threat to Danish territory in the foreseeable future. Thus, there is no longer a need for the traditional territorial defence which has been mounted to counteract such a threat.

The terrorist attacks of 11 September 2001 and subsequent terrorist attacks in Europe and other places demonstrate that the security policy challenges and risks confronting Denmark and other nations have changed significantly.

New asymmetric and unpredictable threats, such as international terrorism and the spreading of weapons of mass destruction and their means of delivery, have entered the scene.

The threats do not have to originate from Denmark’s geographical proximity, but may constitute a risk to Denmark, our allies and our common values, even if they manifest themselves further away.

Accordingly, the priority of security policy should be aimed at possessing the capability to counter the threats where they emerge, regardless of whether this is within or beyond Denmark’s borders.

Therefore, Danish Armed Forces - together with other national institutions - focus on strengthening the total defence of Denmark and its population and on ensuring Denmark’s capability to participate in international operations.