UK, Denmark defence chiefs meet in Copenhagen to boost Northern security

The United Kingdom and Denmark are set to hold high-level defence talks in Copenhagen today, with discussions focusing on security in the High North, industrial cooperation, and continued support for Ukraine.

UK Defence Secretary John Healey MP will meet Danish Defence Minister Troels Lund Poulsen to deepen cooperation between the two NATO allies and Joint Expeditionary Force (JEF) partners, Caliber.Az reports, citing the UK government.

The talks come amid growing geopolitical tensions and increasing threats to critical infrastructure in the Baltic and High North regions.

“In this new era of threat, now is the era of hard power, sure diplomacy, and strong alliances,” Healey said.

“As JEF partners and NATO allies, Denmark and the UK are stepping up on European security. The UK has always played a leading role in securing NATO’s northern flank, and we will continue to do so alongside our allies. We’re cooperating more to defend and deter our adversaries, at the same time as we step up support for Ukraine – because a secure Europe requires a strong Ukraine.”

The ministers are expected to cover a range of defence topics, including counter-drone cooperation, following the deployment of a specialist RAF counter-drone unit to Denmark last year after multiple suspicious drone sightings.

Ukraine will also feature prominently on the agenda. The UK and Denmark are among Ukraine’s largest military supporters, contributing to the UK-led International Fund for Ukraine (IFU) and the Drone Capability Coalition (DCC). Talks will focus on bolstering support and accelerating deliveries of air defence systems, as Russian attacks continue to target Ukraine’s energy infrastructure. Last week, the UK announced an additional £20 million to strengthen Ukrainian energy security, amid freezing winter temperatures affecting hundreds of thousands of civilians.

The meeting precedes the JEF Exercise Lion Protector, scheduled for later this year, which will involve air, land, and naval forces from participating nations. The exercise will rehearse the defence of critical infrastructure, the military interception of illegal vessels, and improvements in joint command and control capabilities.

Hundreds of personnel from the Royal Navy, Royal Air Force, and British Army will deploy across the Nordic and Baltic regions, demonstrating a coordinated response to emerging security challenges.

As the UK and Denmark continue to build on decades of defence cooperation, both nations emphasise the importance of strong alliances and collective action in safeguarding Europe’s northern flank.

By Aghakazim Guliyev