Denmark Accelerates Acquisition of ESSM Block 2 Missiles to Strengthen Frigate Air Defence.

On 19 May 2025, the Danish Ministry of Defence announced a major step in strengthening the Royal Danish Navy’s air defence capabilities. Based on recommendations from the Chief of Defence, the government approved an investment of approximately 880 million Danish kroner to acquire additional Evolved Sea Sparrow Missiles (ESSM) Block 2, along with the necessary support equipment. This decision is part of a broader response to the growing complexity of aerial threats, ranging from manned aircraft to cruise missiles and drones, and aligns with Denmark’s strategy to accelerate its rearmament and operational readiness.
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The Iver Huitfeldt frigate is one of the Royal Danish Navy’s air defence frigates (Picture source: Søværnet)

The funding comes from the “Accelerationsfonden,” a special budget created to rapidly enhance national military capabilities. In addition to this new order, the government also decided to expedite the delivery of some ESSM missiles previously planned for acquisition in the medium term, aiming to make them available more quickly for operational deployment aboard the navy’s frigates. The primary platforms concerned are the Iver Huitfeldt-class ships, which are at the core of Denmark’s naval air defence system.

The RIM-162 Evolved Sea Sparrow Missile (ESSM) Block 2 is the latest iteration of NATO’s long-standing Sea Sparrow programme, in which Denmark has participated for nearly sixty years. Developed by Raytheon through a multinational cooperative framework, the missile is designed to counter a wide spectrum of aerial threats, including manoeuvring supersonic anti-ship missiles. Compared to its predecessor, Block 2 incorporates an active X-band radar seeker in combination with a semi-active mode, allowing target engagement without continuous illumination from the launch platform’s fire control radar. This terminal homing mode increases tactical flexibility in contested and saturated environments.

The ESSM Block 2 reaches speeds above Mach 4 and has an operational range exceeding 50 kilometres. It is fitted with a 39 kg blast-fragmentation warhead with a proximity fuze, optimised for intercepting high-speed targets. One of its major advantages lies in its ability to be quad-packed into a single Mk 41 vertical launch system (VLS) cell, significantly increasing the missile loadout per ship. The missile is also compatible with other VLS systems such as the Mk 48, Mk 56, and Mk 57. Its flexible design and compatibility with various radar architectures, including Aegis, APAR, and Denmark’s StanFlex modules, make it suitable for a wide range of naval platforms. Mid-course guidance updates via datalink enable integration into Cooperative Engagement Capability (CEC) networks, a core element in modern allied naval operations.

The Royal Danish Navy currently operates five main surface combatants: three Iver Huitfeldt-class destroyers and two Absalon-class multipurpose frigates. The Iver Huitfeldt-class ships are tailored for medium- to long-range air defence and equipped with two Mk 56 VLS modules, each with twelve cells for ESSM Block 2 missiles, alongside four Mk 41 modules intended for SM-2 long-range interceptors. They also carry Harpoon Block II anti-ship missiles, MU90 torpedoes, a 35 mm Millennium CIWS, two 76 mm guns, and can embark either an AW101 Merlin or MH-60R Seahawk helicopter. The Absalon-class frigates, originally designed for logistical support and transport roles, retain significant combat capabilities, including three Mk 56 VLS modules, Harpoon missiles, a 127 mm naval gun, and the capacity to embark two helicopters and either seven main battle tanks or 130 troops. This modularity allows them to perform a broad spectrum of missions, from force projection to logistical reinforcement.

Defence Minister Troels Lund Poulsen emphasised that the threats faced by Denmark’s frigates are diverse and originate from land, sea, and air. He stated that the acquisition is intended to quickly enhance the ships’ autonomous defensive capabilities while increasing the overall responsiveness of the armed forces. General Michael Wiggers Hyldgaard, Chief of Defence, reiterated the relevance of investing in a proven system. In his view, the ESSM Block 2 strikes a balance between logistical familiarity, NATO interoperability, and modern performance, qualities deemed essential in a context where speed and tactical efficiency are paramount.

Beyond its five primary frigates, the Danish fleet includes twelve patrol and coastal combat vessels from the Thetis, Knud Rasmussen, and Diana classes, suited for Arctic and littoral surveillance missions. Four MSF Mk I minehunters complete the fleet’s composition, which is structured around three naval squadrons based in Frederikshavn and Korsør. This modular force is optimised for coastal and maritime security operations while integrated within a layered defence framework relying on NATO coordination. In this context, the ESSM Block 2 constitutes a key component of medium-range naval air defence.

This initiative forms part of the broader 2024–2033 Defence Agreement adopted by the Danish government, which earmarks a total of 50 billion kroner for capability enhancement. For 2025 and 2026, 25 billion kroner per year has been allocated via the Accelerationsfonden. From 2027 to 2033, a structural annual budget of 10 billion kroner is intended to support continued implementation, covering new acquisitions, personnel increases, and infrastructure development.

The 19 May 2025 order extends a trend already initiated under the first phase of the Defence Agreement, which included measures to strengthen the stockpile of short-range air defence missiles for Denmark’s frigates. With its active radar guidance and ability to engage targets in contested airspace, the ESSM Block 2 meets the operational requirements of modern naval warfare. It is designed to support a combat architecture focused on resilience, flexibility, and networked interoperability, while reinforcing Denmark’s deterrent posture amid ongoing geopolitical uncertainty in Europe.

This acquisition reflects Denmark’s intent to equip its navy with a capable and interoperable air defence system aligned with NATO standards. The accelerated procurement of ESSM Block 2 missiles is not only a matter of capability but also a strategic move supporting the ongoing transformation of naval forces in the face of emerging aerial threats. Through this decision, Denmark reaffirms its commitment to fleet modernisation and its role in contributing to collective European security.