Denmark to Deploy New Coastal Missiles, Underwater Surveillance Ship

Denmark has decided to base its future coastal missile defense at Naval Station Korsør and locate a new capacity for monitoring critical underwater infrastructure at Naval Station Frederikshavn, the defence ministry has announced.

The decision was taken by the parties to Denmark’s defence agreement and follows military recommendations from the Chief of Defense. The selected locations meet operational and logistical requirements and support rapid implementation of both capabilities, the ministry said.

The coastal missile defense will be stationed at Korsør when the first batteries are delivered. The capability is intended to support Denmark’s control of key maritime routes, including the Danish straits and access to the Baltic Sea. The system will be mobile, allowing deployment to relevant locations across Denmark, and initial elements are expected to be delivered in 2026.

“A core task for the Defense is to maintain control and freedom of action in the Danish waters, which constitute the access routes to the Baltic Sea. With a new coastal missile defense, we will increase the Defense's combat power considerably in this field. The location in Korsør ensures a rapid build-up of capacity,” Minister of Defense Troels Lund Poulsen said.

The coastal missile system is being supplied by Kongsberg and is based on the Naval Strike Missile Coastal Defence System. When fully established, the unit is expected to employ up to around 100 personnel, including conscripts.

Separately, Denmark will base a ship for monitoring critical underwater infrastructure at Naval Station Frederikshavn. The vessel, purchased from Danish Navigare Capital Partners A/S, will serve as a platform for subsea and seabed surveillance. The ship was previously used to service offshore wind farms and will undergo minor modifications to meet operational requirements. Delivery is expected by the end of 2026.

Frederikshavn was selected due to its logistical readiness and the operational benefits of co-locating with other naval units. Staffing requirements for the underwater infrastructure monitoring capability are still being assessed but are expected to involve up to around 50 personnel.