Denmark to Station Frigates at its Ports to Perform NATO Naval Duties

Due to air defense system issues on the frigate Iver Huitfeldt during its deployment in the Red Sea, Denmark will modify its NATO contribution by stationing frigates at Danish ports for the latter half of 2024.

Initially, the frigates Iver Huitfeldt and Niels Juel were scheduled to alternate as the flagship of NATO's naval force (SNMG1) from July to November 2024. However, due to unresolved issues with the air defense systems, Denmark has been compelled to alter these plans. Defense Minister Troels Lund Poulsen emphasized the necessity of this decision following recommendations from the Norwegian Defense Command, which advised against deploying the frigates for active sailing service.

"We have had to change the Danish contribution to NATO's standing naval force in the second half of 2024. The challenges that the crew of the Iver Huitfeldt experienced during the mission in the Red Sea have still not been rectified. Therefore, we are following the Norwegian Defense Command's recommendation not to deploy the frigate for sailing service. Instead, we will offer NATO to take care of the obligations as force commander for NATO's naval force from Danish naval stations. It is a necessary decision. Once the error has been rectified, the ships are ready to go to sea again," said Poulsen.

Denmark had previously committed to providing a frigate as the flagship of SNMG1 from July 11 to November 5, 2024, alongside supplying the force commander and command staff for the entire second half of the year. Despite this commitment, the ongoing issues with the air defense systems have prompted a reevaluation. Acting Chief of Defense Michael Hyldgaard expressed the importance of ensuring the readiness and reliability of military units before deployment, especially given the current threat landscape.

Minister Poulsen echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the importance of providing Danish soldiers with optimal conditions for success. "When we as politicians decide to send Danish soldiers, it is absolutely crucial that we give them the best possible conditions to succeed. Therefore, we must be sure that the material supports the soldiers' work in the best possible way. There are still matters relating to equipment and armament which have not been finally resolved, therefore we do not register a frigate as a combat unit in the first place," he said.

While stationed at Danish ports, the frigates will remain operationally ready, fully equipped with necessary staff and communication equipment. They will be prepared to join NATO's naval force once the air defense system issues are resolved.