Danish navy faces severe staffing shortages as parties propose pay increases

A confidential document obtained by Danish broadcaster DR reveals that Denmark’s navy is missing around 15 percent of its required personnel, with one in seven positions unfilled—a shortfall described as a “very serious situation” by lawmakers.

The staffing crisis is particularly acute among enlisted sailors and non-commissioned officers, with a 19 percent shortage of basic personnel and one in six sergeant roles vacant. The gaps threaten operational readiness, including crew for frigates and critical weapons systems, according to the internal report.

In response, the right-wing Danmarksdemokraterne party has proposed allocating an additional 275 million Danish kroner (€37 million) to boost military salaries. “It’s extremely problematic because we’re in the middle of a major rearmament effort, and we won’t have the soldiers to man the equipment,” said defence spokesperson Dennis Flydtkjær. “It makes no sense to buy new F-35 jets and build new frigates if there’s no one to operate them.”

The proposal follows a February agreement to allocate 275 million kroner for improving pay and working conditions, currently under negotiation between the defence ministry and unions. The Central Association for Military Personnel, representing service members, will vote on the deal on Thursday.

Meanwhile, the Liberal Alliance party has rejected direct pay intervention, instead proposing a tax exemption of up to 1 million kroner for personnel who remain in the military after mandatory conscription. “We want to give our soldiers a pat on the back with tax relief for completing their service and staying on,” said defence spokesperson Carsten Bach, emphasising the need to keep politics separate from collective bargaining.

Jesper Korsgaard Hansen, chair of the military personnel union, welcomed the extra funding but warned its impact depends on fair distribution. He cited pay disparities—such as army corporals earning 3,500 kroner more monthly than navy counterparts—as a key concern. “Every role on a ship is critical. If positions are unfilled, it raises serious questions about operational safety,” he said.

The defence ministry declined to comment on operational consequences, citing security reasons.