Denmark signs $9.1 billion arms deal after U.S. blocks Patriot missile sale

Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense Elbridge Colby recently blocked a multibillion-dollar sale of the Patriot Surface-to-Air Missile (SAM) system to Denmark. This decision comes as Colby prioritizes the rebuilding of U.S. stocks of interceptor missiles before proceeding with sales to European allies.

According to a report by The Atlantic, sources within the Pentagon indicate that the current stock of Patriot interceptor missiles is only 25% of what the U.S. military requires. The publication notes that this policy shift could lead to tensions among NATO allies, potentially weaken their defenses, and diminish American influence in Europe. Additionally, it may result in reduced jobs in the defense industry, limit product expansion, and curtail research and development efforts.

In light of the blocked sale, Denmark signed a significant arms deal last week, amounting to $9.1 billion. This agreement includes long-range air-defense systems from a joint French-Italian venture and medium-range systems from Norway, Germany, and France. This marks Denmark"s largest-ever arms purchase.

For more on related coverage, see recent developments regarding NATO"s defense strategies.

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