Denmark's critical choice: European SAMP/T vs. US Patriot
Denmark must choose between the SAMP/T NG and the Patriot air defence systems. This decision is crucial for the country's safety, and the American president's statements regarding Greenland add controversy.
As reported by the portal Zone Militaire, Denmark is working intensively to strengthen its air defence. As part of this process, the country is considering purchasing the SAMP/T NG or the Patriot system. This choice is pivotal for ensuring national security, especially given current geopolitical tensions.
Denmark has joined the European Sky Shield Initiative (ESSI), a project to create a multi-layered air defence system in Europe. As part of this project, Denmark must decide on an air defence system. The options are limited to the French-Italian SAMP/T NG system and the American Patriot.
The Danish Defence Acquisition and Logistics Organisation (DALO) requires the selected system to be interoperable within NATO, have secure supply chains, demonstrate operational efficiency, and ensure timely deliveries. A decision is expected by mid-2025.
So far, the American Patriot has won most medium-range air defence system tenders, partly due to better delivery times and missile availability compared to the SAMP/T. However, the Danes now must consider Donald Trump's administration's foreign policy instability regarding the American competitor.
SAMP/T — a European competitor to the Patriot
The Patriot and SAMP/T systems can shoot down aircraft at distances over 100 kilometres and ballistic missiles at approximately 40 kilometres and 30 kilometres from the launcher, respectively. The Patriot is much more popular than the SAMP/T and is said to have better capabilities against ballistic missiles thanks to the PAC-3 MSE missiles.
Meanwhile, the SAMP/T is a more compact system with a full 360-degree radar. For Patriot systems, this is still a few years away from completing tests and entering production with the LTAMDS radar.
The Danes' choice pertains not only to equipment but also to the foreign partner with whom they will align for the next few decades. Additionally, opting for the European system could be a tangible confirmation of voices calling for Europe's independence from the US in security matters.
