Denmark to strengthen naval fleet with new ships, surveillance equipment

Denmark has announced plans to bolster its naval fleet by acquiring dozens of new vessels and enhancing surveillance capabilities for critical underwater infrastructure.

According to an official statement, the Danish authorities intend to procure 21 new ships for the country’s maritime patrol forces, along with four additional vessels that can also be used for military purposes, including territorial waters surveillance and mine-laying operations, Caliber.Az reports per foreign media.

Copenhagen also aims to launch a programme for the development of unmanned systems, which officials say will strengthen the Danish Navy both in the short and long term.

In parallel, Denmark is set to acquire several hundred sea mines to reinforce the defence of its inland waters and contribute to NATO’s regional deterrence. The purchase, financed through the Acceleration Fund, is expected to enhance Denmark’s ability to control maritime access and respond to potential threats, particularly in the Baltic Sea.

Defence Minister Troels Lund Poulsen highlighted the strategic significance of the acquisition, given Denmark’s geographical position and current security challenges. Søren Kjeldsen, Head of the Navy Command, emphasised the sea mines' role in safeguarding Danish sovereignty and enhancing the Navy’s operational readiness.

The procurement aligns with broader defence investments under Denmark’s military expansion plan, which includes a DKK 50 billion allocation to bolster combat capabilities. The sea mines are scheduled for delivery between 2027 and 2029.

By Aghakazim Guliyev