Naval Strike Missile procured for Denmark

Denmark has procured the Kongsberg Naval Strike Missile for its Iver Huitfeldt-class frigates in order to replace the existing Harpoon anti-ship missiles, according to a 6th March press release from Kongsberg. 

The agreement was made as a government-to-government contract between the defence procurement agencies of both countries; the Danish Acquisition and Logistics Organisation (DALO) and Norway’s Defence Materiel Agency (FMA). The FMA then signed a contract with Kongsberg for the missiles, which was valued at NOK 2.1 billion (EUR178.6 million). 

“This government-to-government agreement with Norway is a prime example of an efficient way to procure equipment quickly and smartly. The Naval Strike Missiles are a state-of-the-art replacement for the Harpoons that have served their purpose in Ukraine, and with this acquisition, we are significantly strengthening the Royal Danish Navy’s combat capability in a key area,” said Lieutenant General Per Pugholm Olsen, Commanding General of DALO. 

The procurement was initiated last winter, reflecting the speed with which the acquisition process has been completed. No delivery timeframe has been provided, however, Australia signed for the missile in January 2023 and by June 2024, the Chief of Navy, Vice Admiral Mark Hammond, reported that Naval Strike Missiles had already been fitted to Anzac class frigates and Hobart class destroyers. This indicates a maximum delivery time frame of a little over 18 months, which suggests that Danish ships should be carrying the missiles by November 2026 at the latest. 

Tech profile: Naval Strike Missile vs Harpoon

 The Royal Danish Navy frigate HDMS Niels Juel (F 363), operating as part of France’s Charles de Gaulle Carrier Strike Group, is underway in the Red Sea, April 15, 2019. Credit: US Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Joshua L. Leonard.

The Naval Strike Missile represents an upgrade to the anti-ship capabilities of the Iver Huitfeldt-class frigates as shown in the table below, partly because of the greater range and passive target detection of the Naval Strike Missile. Despite the lighter warhead weight, demonstrations of the missile’s lethality do indicate that it causes very extensive damage to frigate-sized vessels. The Danish Navy deploys three Iver Huitfeldt-class frigates, each of which could carry 16 Harpoon anti-ship missiles. 

Calibre comment

The Nordic states are forging closer defence ties with increasing cooperation between them. Denmark in particular has been bullish with its investment and plans for expanded defence capabilities, including a recent EUR6 billion in additional funding for accelerated procurement and building up the country’s defences. Procurements like this one, and the recent contract awarded to Nammo to build a new ammunition factory in Denmark help to establish regional resilience and reduce dependence on potentially unpredictable partners and actors.