Denmark fortifies Bornholm Island, citing collective European security

The Danish Armed Forces have officially reinstated a permanent military regiment on the island of Bornholm in the Baltic Sea—marking the first such deployment in over a quarter-century.

The move, described as a strategic recalibration, reflects growing regional defence concerns and Denmark’s commitment to bolstering NATO’s eastern flank, Caliber.Az reports, citing Russian media.

According to a press release published on the Danish Armed Forces’ official website, the new deployment restores a military structure that was disbanded in 2000. “Now there is once again a permanent military presence on Bornholm... Thus, Bornholm now has its own regiment,” the announcement declared.

Defence Minister Troels Lund Poulsen underscored the geopolitical relevance of the location, stating that Bornholm occupies a “strategically important” position vital to “the collective security of Denmark, Scandinavia, and Europe.”

The decision comes as Copenhagen intensifies its defence posture in response to shifting regional dynamics. Plans are already underway to expand the Danish Armed Forces by 5,000 personnel, bringing the total number of troops to 28,000 by 2033. The number of annual conscripts is also set to increase to 6,500.

Despite the heightened military activity, Danish defence officials maintain that there is currently no imminent threat of military aggression from Russia. In April, the Danish Ministry of Defence reiterated that Denmark does not face a direct risk of attack.

Nonetheless, the reactivation of Bornholm’s military presence is part of a broader effort by Denmark to reinforce its role in European security. Earlier this year, Danish authorities signalled their readiness to contribute peacekeeping forces to Ukraine, underlining Copenhagen’s active support for stability in Eastern Europe.

By Vafa Guliyeva