Denmark Acquires Kongsberg NSM Missiles to Boost Anti-Ship Capabilities of Iver Huitfeldt-Class Frigates.

On March 6, 2025, Norwegian defense company Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace announced a significant contract with the Danish Ministry of Defence Acquisition and Logistics Organisation (DALO) to deliver the Naval Strike Missile (NSM) and its associated equipment for the Royal Danish Navy’s Iver Huitfeldt-class frigates. The deal, valued at approximately €179 million (NOK 2.1 billion), marks a major step forward in enhancing Denmark’s maritime strike capabilities. This acquisition will replace the older Harpoon missiles, which have seen operational service in various regions, including in Ukraine, and significantly modernize the Danish fleet's offensive capabilities.
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The Royal Danish Navy's Iver Huitfeldt-Class Frigate, a modern multi-role warship equipped with advanced sensors and weaponry, is set to be armed with Kongsberg's Naval Strike Missiles (NSM) for enhanced anti-ship capabilities. (Picture source: Wikimedia)

The Naval Strike Missile (NSM) is a cutting-edge, long-range, precision-guided missile designed for surface-to-surface engagements. Developed by Kongsberg in collaboration with the German company Diehl Defence, the NSM has earned a reputation for its high precision and ability to operate in the most challenging environments, including against highly defended targets. The missile is designed to be launched from surface ships, submarines, and even land-based platforms, making it a versatile addition to any modern naval force.

Equipped with an advanced seeker system, the NSM is capable of striking targets with pinpoint accuracy, even in cluttered or congested operational environments. Its stealthy flight profile, combined with advanced guidance systems, ensures that the missile can evade sophisticated defense systems and hit high-value targets, such as enemy ships or coastal installations. This capability positions the NSM as an essential tool for modern naval forces looking to maintain a strategic edge in the face of increasingly advanced adversary countermeasures.

The Iver Huitfeldt-class frigates are the backbone of the Royal Danish Navy's surface fleet, offering high-end capabilities in terms of air defense, anti-submarine warfare, and surface warfare. These multi-role frigates are among the most advanced in the Danish fleet, combining powerful sensors and weapons systems to create a formidable maritime platform. The Iver Huitfeldt-class is equipped with a comprehensive array of sensors, including radar systems capable of detecting and tracking multiple targets in complex environments. The ships also feature advanced command and control systems, ensuring that they can operate in a joint, networked environment with other NATO assets.

The addition of the Naval Strike Missile (NSM) to these frigates will further bolster their anti-ship and anti-surface warfare capabilities, significantly improving their ability to engage targets at long range. With a maximum range of over 200 km, the NSM will give the Iver Huitfeldt-class ships the ability to strike enemy vessels well beyond the range of traditional weapons, allowing them to maintain a tactical advantage in any potential maritime conflict.

This contract represents a significant step in Denmark's commitment to enhancing its defense capabilities and its participation in NATO's maritime security initiatives. By selecting the NSM, Denmark is joining an expanding list of nations that have integrated this state-of-the-art missile into their naval arsenals. Denmark becomes the 14th country to adopt the NSM, joining the ranks of other NATO and allied nations, including Norway, Poland, Malaysia, Germany, the United States, Canada, Australia, Spain, the UK, and Latvia. The Naval Strike Missile is already operational in several of these countries, demonstrating its effectiveness and reliability in real-world combat scenarios. For Denmark, this acquisition will replace the Harpoon missile system, which has served its purpose for many years but is now considered outdated in comparison to more advanced systems like the NSM.

The acquisition process for the Naval Strike Missiles has been accelerated through a government-to-government (G2G) sale. This approach, facilitated through direct negotiations between Denmark's DALO and Norway’s Norwegian Defence Materiel Agency (FMA), ensures a streamlined acquisition process that benefits both countries. Kongsberg, which signed the contract with FMA, will now be responsible for delivering the NSM missiles, as well as associated equipment, for integration into the Iver Huitfeldt-class frigates.

This acquisition is not only a boost to Denmark's military capabilities but also underscores the growing collaboration between Norway and Denmark in modern defense technologies. The NSM’s success in multiple international markets highlights the missile's capabilities in strengthening naval power and ensuring that fleets remain adaptable and effective in the face of evolving threats.

With this upgrade, the Royal Danish Navy is set to significantly enhance its operational readiness, ensuring it can engage threats at long ranges, with high accuracy and minimal exposure. The shift from the Harpoon missile system to the Naval Strike Missile will allow Denmark to maintain a competitive edge in the maritime domain and continue to play a vital role in NATO’s collective defense strategy.

The €179 million contract for the Naval Strike Missile marks a pivotal moment for Denmark's naval modernization program. The integration of these advanced weapons into the Iver Huitfeldt-class frigates will allow Denmark to respond more effectively to modern threats, reinforcing its commitment to maintaining a strong, capable, and flexible naval force. The decision to replace the Harpoon missiles with NSM ensures that Denmark remains at the forefront of modern naval warfare, contributing to both national defense and broader NATO security objectives.