Breaking News: Denmark to Strengthen Naval Forces with Future Acquisition of 25 New Vessels.

On April 22, 2025, the Danish Ministry of Defence announced a comprehensive plan to modernize the Royal Danish Navy through a significant fleet expansion under the Danish Defence Agreement 2024–2033. Backed by a broad political coalition, the agreement includes the acquisition of 25 new vessels aimed at enhancing the Navy’s operational capacity in both Danish waters and the Baltic Sea. This initiative forms part of a broader strategy to strengthen maritime surveillance, safeguard critical underwater infrastructure, and fulfill Denmark’s NATO commitments.
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The Thetis-class ocean patrol vessel is currently in service with the Royal Danish Navy. Deployed primarily in the North Atlantic and Arctic regions, these ships are essential for sovereignty enforcement, fisheries inspection, maritime surveillance, and support to civil authorities in Greenland and the Faroe Islands. (Picture source: Wikimedia)

The new plan, titled "Navy Plan Strengthens Danish Armed Forces at Sea," was shaped in collaboration with the Danish Democrats, the Socialist People’s Party, the Liberal Alliance, the Conservative People’s Party, the Danish People’s Party, and the Social Liberal Party. It reflects both the current geopolitical challenges and the expert recommendations from Denmark’s military leadership, ensuring that the Danish Navy is equipped to face evolving maritime threats.

At the heart of this initiative is the near-term acquisition of 25 vessels—four new marine environment and mine-laying vessels, and 21 modern vessels for the Marine Home Guard. These new platforms are set to replace older ships and provide advanced capabilities in maritime domain awareness, port security, rescue operations, and environmental response. The Home Guard, which works closely with the Royal Danish Navy, will benefit from these vessels to expand its role in national defense and support missions.

The fleet expansion is part of a broader dual-phase strategy. In the immediate future, Denmark is prioritizing rapid deployment of these assets to address urgent maritime needs in the Baltic Sea and surrounding waters. In the longer term, the agreement establishes a framework for additional investments to further increase the combat power of the Danish Navy and enhance its role within NATO’s collective security architecture.

One of the most critical elements of the plan is the improvement of underwater surveillance to protect Denmark’s extensive network of seabed infrastructure. This includes pipelines and cables essential for transporting electricity, natural gas, and data, which are increasingly vulnerable to sabotage. To counter this threat, Denmark will introduce a new capacity composed of seaborne surveillance vessels, sonar systems, and underwater drones. These tools will allow for early detection and identification of unauthorized underwater activity, significantly increasing Denmark’s maritime security posture.

Additionally, the four new marine environment and mine-laying vessels will be equipped for dual-use missions. While primarily designed to handle environmental emergencies such as oil and chemical spills, these ships will also serve critical military functions. They will be capable of laying mines, conducting surface and subsurface monitoring, and providing platforms for personnel training.

Innovation also plays a key role in the naval expansion. The Danish Armed Forces are launching a program to develop and deploy autonomous systems, including underwater drones. These unmanned platforms will extend the Navy’s surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities, drawing on technological insights gained from recent conflicts, particularly the war in Ukraine.

Further underlining Denmark’s commitment to maritime defense, the plan includes the initiation of investments in advanced frigates, beginning with air defense variants. These vessels will serve as the cornerstone of the Navy’s high-end warfighting capabilities, supporting not only national defense but also allied operations under NATO mandates.

General Michael W. Hyldgaard, Chief of Defence, emphasized the operational significance of this transformation: “Building the combat power of the Danish Armed Forces, including our naval capacities, is vital. We are fulfilling this task – and fighting with what we have. And now the Danish Armed Forces will have more to fight with.” He further highlighted that the fleet modernization reflects a deliberate and forward-thinking response to Denmark’s strategic environment, both above and below the sea.

This announcement comes at a time when the Royal Danish Navy already maintains a robust and diverse fleet. It currently includes three Iver Huitfeldt-class destroyers (DDGHM), which provide advanced air defense and command capabilities; two Absalon-class frigates serving both transport and combat roles; four Thetis-class and three Knud Rasmussen-class patrol vessels for Arctic and offshore missions; and six Diana-class patrol boats for coastal and SAR operations. The Navy also operates a dedicated mine warfare component with four mine countermeasure vessels (MCI) and four MSF Mk I ships.

Logistics and support are managed by 12 auxiliary vessels, including two Gunnar Thorson-class marine pollution control ships, two Holm-class general support ships, and a mix of AKL and AXL class vessels such as the Sleipner, Seatruck, and Søløven. Training and auxiliary missions are further supported by two Svanen-class ships. Supplementing this fleet, the Marine Home Guard fields 29 patrol and SAR vessels that perform key roles in port security, surveillance, and civil support.

The total investment of DKK 4 billion (approximately EUR 536 million) will be drawn from the Acceleration Fund and the broader Defense Agreement. This initiative represents a decisive step forward in securing Denmark’s maritime interests. It reflects a proactive stance in defense planning, blending traditional naval strength with modern technologies to address both conventional threats and new forms of hybrid warfare. As Denmark enhances its maritime presence and capabilities, it sets a leading example of naval modernization within the Nordic and Baltic regions.