The Commander of the Danish Home Guard, Major General Gunner Arpe Nielsen, is among the speakers confirmed for Forsvarskonferansen – Nordic Defence and Security Conference 2026.

Nielsen brings nearly four decades of military experience to the conference, with a career spanning senior command and staff positions across the Danish Armed Forces, Defence Command Denmark, the Danish Home Guard and the Danish Ministry of Defence.

Since 2025, he has served as Commander of the Danish Home Guard. Prior to this, he was Commander of the Danish Army from 2021 to 2024. He has also served as Commanding Officer of the Danish Army’s 2nd Brigade, Chief of Staff of the Danish Home Guard and Director of Plans and Policy within the organisation.

His career also includes extensive experience from international operations. Nielsen served in Bosnia with IFOR and later as Company Commander with KFOR in Kosovo.

A Nordic perspective on defence and preparedness

The role of national resilience, preparedness and the mobilisation of society is becoming increasingly important across the Nordic countries. With his background from both the Danish Army and the Danish Home Guard, Major General Nielsen brings valuable experience and perspectives to the discussions at Forsvarskonferansen.

The Danish Home Guard plays an important role in supporting the Danish Armed Forces and national preparedness, making Nielsen's experience particularly relevant at a time when Nordic countries are strengthening their total defence capabilities.

Forsvarskonferansen brings together leaders from defence, industry, government, research and the wider security community to discuss the challenges and opportunities shaping the future of defence and security.