Russia’s ongoing threat to Europe, coupled with Trump’s warnings against Greenland and plans to impose tariffs on certain European nations, raises concerns about Europe’s international influence and its preparedness to defend its interests. Amidst these unsettled times, Norway, Denmark, and Sweden could potentially become new military powers in Europe.
One of the biggest news stories in the British defence sector has been the conclusion of a deal between the UK Government and Norway on the supply of five new warships. As the support for Ukraine in European countries, like France, Germany and Italy, is decreasing, countries like Norway, Sweden and Denmark remain the strongest supporters of Ukraine.
Rising defence commitments in Northern Europe
As the international standing of France, Germany and Italy in Europe shows signs of cracks amid economic stagnation and internal divisions, the countries supporting Ukraine are preparing to assume a greater role in the future defence of Europe and in shaping Europe’s security.
This is evident in their pledges to increase their defence spending. Norway has become one of the NATO members that committed to 5% GDP defence spending.
Sweden is another NATO member to manifest a commitment to increase its defence spending. However, this simple increase in defence spending is not the only factor sufficient to reform the defence forces. Norway, Sweden and Denmark are investing and developing multiple areas of their defence.
Denmark
Denmark is one of the European countries which shows the determination to strengthen its defence.
Firstly, in June 2024, the government concluded the financial framework under the 2024-2033 Defence Agreement. This aims to strengthen defence and security, and totals DKK 357 billion.
Secondly, Denmark is determined to demonstrate its military force in Greenland. In October, it announced it will boost Arctic defence by buying 16 more F-35 fighter jets from the US, as well as two new Arctic ships, maritime patrol planes, drones and early warning radar. Denmark is expanding its military presence in Greenland.
On 14th January, Denmark’s defence ministry said additional Danish aircraft, naval assets, and troops will be deployed in and around Greenland starting immediately as part of expanded training and exercise activities.
Thirdly, it is paying a great deal of attention to its air defence. In September, it chose to purchase Franco-Italian SAMP/T air defence.
In November 2025, Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace (‘KONGSBERG’) signed a contract with the government of Denmark for the delivery of the National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile System (NASAMS) air defence.
Denmark’s defence push
The Danish Navy is also getting strengthened to play a role in the defence, as it is a country surrounded by the North Sea and the Baltic Sea.
Last April, the Danish Government and the other political parties reached the Danish Defence Agreement 2024-2033 to strengthen the Danish Navy. Outlining the acquisition of four vessels and investment in additional capabilities in the form of larger navy vessels of different types.
Denmark also remains one of the biggest supporters of Ukraine. The country provided 9.5 billion euros in military support and 959 million euros in civilian contributions.
The UK and Denmark are also showing cooperation in defence matters. In October, a Royal Air Force Regiment counter-drone unit was sent to Denmark.
We see how Denmark, despite being a small country, is demonstrating an absolute determination to resist the intimidation and threats, either from Trump or from Russia.
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Norway
Norway is another European country committed to developing its defence forces.
The Norwegian Ministry of Defence set out its own ‘The Norwegian Defence Pledge: Long-term Defence Plan 2025-2016’, warning that ‘the international security situation is more unstable, dangerous and competitive than it has been for a long time’.
This plan highlights the existence of ‘a rivalry between values and world views’ and a ‘deteriorating security situation’. It also commits itself to strengthening its defence capabilities. In 2024, the Norwegian parliament approved a plan to raise Oslo’s defence spending to almost €138 billion by 2036.
Norway has signalled a clear commitment to work with the UK in defence and security. The UK and Norway are developing their defence cooperation, as the Royal Marines were recently deployed to operate in Norway.
Their defence cooperation was also shown in December. When the UK and Norway made a defence agreement, the Lunna House Agreement. This establishes that the British and Norwegian navies will be operating together in the North Atlantic.
Sweden
Sweden also shows a willingness to develop its defence forces.
It became a NATO member in 2023, and has since contributed to European security, and military capacity has been growing.
Sweden also shows commitment to strengthening its air defence. The government recently announced an investment in ground-based air defence. Including the possibility of protecting population centres and civilian infrastructure.
The government also announced that it decided to invest more than SEK 4 billion in the acquisition of various types of unmanned systems. This includes investment in unmanned systems. Such as loitering munitions, reconnaissance drones, unmanned airborne electronic warfare capabilities and unmanned vehicles for different marine applications.
Sweden is also showing signs to stand by Greenland and Denmark, as Sweden has deployed its troops to Greenland.
Sweden is also one of the biggest supporters of Ukraine. Since the start of the full-scale Russian invasion, it has provided 8.2 billion euros in military support and 2 billion euros in humanitarian support.
New military powers of Europe?
Europeans are living through one of the most challenging times. And these times demand big changes.
As Europe’s high reliance on the United States as a security ally comes under scrutiny, there must be an understanding amongst European countries on the necessity of more strength regarding security and defence and rethinking how the European security system can work to ensure that Europe is an independent region, and capable of deterring, managing and combating any risks, threats and aggressions it faces.
Norway, Sweden and Denmark are countries whose military power is growing. If they continue to invest substantially in their defence, they have a chance to become among the biggest military powers in Europe, providing a significant contribution to the creation of a new and unified European defence structure, with other European countries sharing a role in defence cooperation.
