In its recent report, the Danish Defence Commission, appointed by the Denmark government in 2007, has come out with a suggestion that the government must increase defence funding by 10 to 15 per cent so as to take into account the rapid expansion of Denmark’s land forces (2000 new troops) and continue with its important equipment procurement programmes such as armored vehicles, support helicopters, body armor and battlefield communications systems.

The report notes that the current budget of $3.5 billion is significantly "inadequate to cover all of the materials needed by the armed forces." It suggests that the government provide an additional $428 million to re-equip all branches of the military with modern equipment and essential supplies, as well as provide improved military training. The report also questions the rationale of the Danish government for remaining out of the European security structure.

The report also proposes an annual increase of 30 percent funding in support of Danish troops in Afghanistan. If followed, this would raise the Danish Army's operating budget for Afghanistan to nearly $100 million1.

• 1. “Danish Commission calls for bigger defence budget,” April 16, 2009, at http://www.defensenews.com/story.php?i=4042708&c=EUR&s=TOP