BRUSSELS

Denmark on Friday announced plans to purchase an additional 16 F-35 fighter jets and invest heavily in Arctic and North Atlantic defense capabilities as part of a new security agreement.

Under the agreement, 29 billion kroner (about $2.8 billion) will be allocated for the acquisition of the new fighter aircraft, bringing Denmark's total F-35 fleet to 43, according to DR broadcaster.

Defense Minister Troels Lund Poulsen described the move as a "historic strengthening" of the Danish Armed Forces.

"I visited the United States in July, where I discussed the possibility of quickly acquiring additional F-35 fighter aircraft with the head of the international F-35 fighter aircraft program," Poulsen said.

In addition to the jet purchase, the government announced investments of 27.4 billion kroner ($2.7 billion) to strengthen Denmark's military presence and infrastructure in the Arctic and North Atlantic, a plan developed in close collaboration with the governments of Greenland and the Faroe Islands.

The plan includes the establishment of a new headquarters for the Arctic Command in Nuuk, a North Atlantic submarine cable connecting Greenland and Denmark, as well as the procurement of two additional Arctic vessels, drones, and maritime patrol aircraft.

"The task of the Danish Armed Forces is to ensure security throughout the Kingdom. And if necessary, to defend Greenland, the Faroe Islands and Denmark within the framework of NATO in all domains," Chief of Defense Michael​​​​​​​ Hyldgaard said.

During the press conference, a journalist asked whether, with the new agreement and the establishment of a Greenlandic military unit, Poulsen said the Arctic could still be considered a "low voltage" area.