Denmark Signs Deal with Terma to Deploy 32 Modern Coastal Surveillance Radars by 2026

Denmark has signed an agreement with leading Danish defense company Terma for the delivery of 32 advanced coastal surveillance radars. The agreement was signed with the Danish Defence Acquisition and Logistics Organisation (DALO) and marks a major step in modernizing Denmark’s coastal monitoring capabilities.

The new radar systems will replace aging infrastructure and are designed to provide round-the-clock monitoring of Denmark’s maritime territory, improving the country’s ability to detect and respond to any activity near its coastline. These systems will support maritime domain awareness, environmental protection, and safe navigation.

According to the agreement, deliveries will begin in 2025 and continue through 2026. Most of the new radars will be installed on existing towers to minimize disruption. The installation will be carried out in phases, ensuring that Denmark maintains uninterrupted operational capacity throughout the transition. The entire system is expected to be fully operational by the end of 2026.

The radars will play a crucial role in supporting the Vessel Traffic Service (VTS), which manages and ensures safe navigation through key waterways, such as the Danish straits. These areas are among the busiest maritime routes in Europe, and maintaining security and efficiency here is vital to both national and international shipping.

“This agreement reflects Terma’s strong commitment to supporting Denmark’s sovereignty and security,” said Henriette Hallberg Thygesen, CEO of Terma. “As a Danish company with decades of experience in advanced coastal surveillance, we are proud to deliver solutions that enhance national resilience and protect our maritime domain.”

She also highlighted that the deal is another important milestone in Terma’s close partnership with the Danish Armed Forces, adding that the new systems will help Denmark meet future challenges with confidence and preparedness.

The package includes more than just radar systems. It also provides:

• Two additional radars for Greenland under Denmark’s Arctic defense commitments

• Artificial Intelligence (AI)-enabled data fusion platforms to combine and analyze inputs from multiple radar sites

• Spare parts, technical documentation, and training for operators and maintenance personnel

The AI-supported integration platform will significantly boost Denmark’s real-time situational awareness, enabling faster and more accurate decision-making. This capability is especially important in supporting multi-domain operations, where rapid information sharing is essential.

In addition to enhancing coastal surveillance and national defense, the new radar network will contribute to protecting critical marine infrastructure, including ports, bridges, pipelines, and offshore facilities.

This agreement also highlights Denmark’s commitment to self-reliance in defense technology by investing in domestically developed solutions that align with global standards and future threats.

In simple terms, Denmark is giving its coastal defense a powerful upgrade—using homegrown technology, backed by AI, to keep its waters safe, secure, and ready for the future.