The Danish Helmand Plan 2011-2012

The Helmand plan covers specific initiatives within the comprehensive Danish engagement in Afghanistan that entails political as well as military and civil economic assistance. The plan complements the 5-year strategy 2008-12.

The Helmand Plan for 2011-12 involves adjustments of the Danish military engagement towards an increased focus on training of the Afghan security forces. The plan also entails a markedly strengthened police training effort as well as an increase in civilian and developmental contributions to Afghanistan.

The gradual adjustments to the Danish engagement in Afghanistan - initiated in 2010 - continue. The Danish soldiers will over the coming years gradually assume a more retracted posture, allowing the Afghan security forces to take the lead. The changed focus from combat to training of the Afghan security forces means that Denmark can begin to reduce the overall number of troops. The reductions will continue and by the end of 2014, there will be no Danish combat units in Afghanistan, but Denmark will continue its active engagement in the country with an emphasis on development assistance.