Washington clears sale of Hellfire missile package to Denmark

The U.S. State Department has approved Denmark’s request to purchase AGM-114R Hellfire missiles and related equipment in a potential foreign military sale valued at $45 million, the Defense Security Cooperation Agency said on Thursday.

According to the agency, Denmark requested up to 100 AGM-114R missiles, along with three Captive Air Test Missiles, six M299 launchers, two MHU-191/M trailers and three BRU-14 racks. The package also includes training aids, containers, software, publications, spare parts, transportation support and U.S. government and contractor services.

The agency said the proposed sale “will support the foreign policy goals and national security objectives of the United States by improving the security of a NATO ally that is a force for political stability and economic progress in Europe.” It added that Denmark “will have no difficulty absorbing these articles and services into its armed forces.”

As noted in the announcement, the deal aims to expand Denmark’s ability to operate jointly with U.S. and allied aviation forces by providing follow-on sustainment for platforms that already use the Hellfire family of precision-guided weapons. The agency said the transfer “will not alter the basic military balance in the region.”

Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control in Ocala, Florida, will serve as the principal contractor. The agency said it is not aware of any offset agreement, noting that if one is pursued, it would be negotiated separately.

The notice states that the potential sale will not require the deployment of U.S. personnel to Denmark for program support and will have “no adverse impact on U.S. defense readiness.” Final contract quantities and dollar value will depend on Denmark’s confirmed requirements and available budget authority.

The announcement comes as relations between Washington and Copenhagen remain tense over disputes involving the status of Greenland. Danish officials have previously warned that any attempt by the United States to annex the territory “would spell the end of the alliance,” following earlier public statements from U.S. officials about the island’s strategic value.