Danish parties propose privatizing search and rescue helicopter duties

Danish political parties Liberal Alliance, Danmarksdemokraterne, and De Konservative are proposing that the Danish Defence's search and rescue (SAR) helicopter duties be transferred to a private operator.

The proposal aims to address ongoing issues with the military's EH101 helicopter fleet. Between 2021 and 2025, an average of only six out of 14 EH101 helicopters were operational. These availability issues led the Danish Defence to abandon a NATO strength goal in 2024 regarding the transport of troops and materiel, as resources were prioritized for rescue missions.

Proponents argue that outsourcing the SAR duties would allow the military to concentrate its existing helicopter capacity and personnel on essential military tasks and fulfill NATO commitments.