Denmark to purchase 25 new ships to address both Arctic security and Russian threats.

On March 30, 2025, Denmark’s government announced a comprehensive naval modernization plan aimed at strengthening maritime defense capabilities in response to an increasingly complex threat environment and rapid technological advancements. The plan includes both immediate procurement initiatives and long-term strategic investments to secure the future of the Royal Danish Navy. Defense Minister Troels Lund Poulsen emphasized that the current security climate, marked by a more assertive Russia and evolving risks, necessitates urgent action as well as careful planning for future fleet development.
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Denmark’s current fleet of Iver Huitfeldt-class frigates is expected to remain operational for another decade, but the government is initiating discussions now to ensure informed decision-making regarding their eventual replacement. (Picture source: Søværnet)

The immediate track of the plan involves the rapid acquisition of equipment to address current and near-future threats. One priority is the protection of Denmark’s critical underwater infrastructure, including cables and pipelines that transport electricity, gas, and data through Danish waters. The government proposes the acquisition of a new ship equipped with drones and sonar systems to enhance undersea surveillance and detect potentially hostile activities. Alongside this, a development program for unmanned systems, such as underwater drones and other autonomous platforms, is being launched to increase maritime surveillance capacity both above and below the waterline.

In addition, the government plans to procure 21 new vessels for the Naval Home Guard. These modern replacements for the aging fleet will support tasks such as maritime surveillance, port security, environmental operations, rescue missions, and host nation support, in close coordination with the Navy. The plan also includes the acquisition of four new maritime environmental response vessels, which will primarily address oil and chemical spill containment but can also contribute to naval operations such as mine-laying, personnel training, and both surface and subsurface monitoring. Minister for Civil Security and Emergency Preparedness Torsten Schack Pedersen underlined the need to replace the current aging fleet and highlighted the dual-use potential of these new vessels in the current geopolitical context. A key component of the plan is the procurement of sea mines to strengthen maritime defense. These mines are expected to be delivered between 2027 and 2029, following recommendations from the defense chief.

This phase of the fleet plan aligns with NATO’s upcoming capability targets for Denmark and reflects the growing need for secure supply lines and the rapid procurement of maritime capabilities. In the Arctic and North Atlantic regions, Denmark is already investing approximately 14.6 billion Danish kroner ($2.05 billion) to enhance its military presence. This investment includes the acquisition of three new Arctic naval vessels, long-range drones, and improved satellite capabilities. These efforts are part of a broader agreement reached in collaboration with the governments of Greenland and the Faroe Islands. The government intends for this track to proceed with urgency to ensure the timely reinforcement of Denmark’s naval readiness.

Parallel to these efforts, a long-term strategic track will lay the foundation for future procurement decisions, particularly regarding the next generation of major surface combatants. This includes preparing the groundwork for potential acquisitions of new frigates and vessels suited for operations in the Arctic and North Atlantic regions. Denmark’s current fleet of Iver Huitfeldt-class frigates is expected to remain operational for another decade, but the government is initiating discussions now to ensure informed decision-making regarding their eventual replacement. The outcome of this strategic track will inform a future political agreement that will determine which additional large vessels should be acquired and how they should be built.

The long-term component of the plan also explores the feasibility of producing new naval vessels in Denmark, leveraging the country’s strengths in maritime industries. The government will assess how domestic shipbuilding or significant local industrial involvement can support the program. Among the new capabilities under consideration are air-defense frigates, which serve as the backbone of the Royal Danish Navy. These ships would strengthen Denmark’s contribution to NATO’s collective deterrence and ensure control over Danish waters. The government also intends to expand its Arctic fleet, beyond the three ships already approved under Subagreement 1 on the Arctic and North Atlantic, to improve the Navy’s operational reach in the region.

Finally, the plan includes an analysis of whether Denmark could engage in international cooperation to acquire or share icebreaker capacity. This would support increased operations in Arctic environments and complement Denmark’s broader defense strategy in the high north. To expedite these initiatives, the Danish government has proposed an Acceleration Fund, channeling 50 billion DKK (~$7 billion USD) in 2025 and 2026 for rapid investments in military capabilities. This funding is intended to meet NATO demands and capability targets, elevating Denmark's defense spending to over 3% of GDP.