Ambitions in the Arctic and the Russian threat: Denmark to buy 25 ships for $600 million
On 22 April 2025, the Danish Ministry of Defence officially announced the adoption of a comprehensive plan as part of the Defence Strategy for 2024-2033. The agreement consists of two phases, the first of which has already been approved and provides for large-scale rearmament and the introduction of new technologies.
Here's What We Know
The first phase includes the purchase of 25 vessels for various purposes, including marine environmental protection ships, mine countermeasures vessels and patrol boats for Home Guard units.
The latter are to replace the outdated MHV 800 and MHV 850 classes of boats. The same stage also includes the introduction of hydroacoustic systems and underwater drones to protect critical maritime infrastructure. The total cost of procurement for this phase is estimated at DKK 4 billion (over $611 million).
The second part of the plan is being finalised. It may include the purchase of new air defence frigates and the development of Denmark's Arctic ambitions. This includes modernising and expanding Arctic monitoring capabilities, including patrol ships, aircraft and unmanned platforms.
The Danish Ministry of Defence emphasises that these measures are aimed at improving the security of the state in the face of growing geopolitical pressure from Russia and China, as well as strengthening its positions in the North Atlantic and Arctic regions.
Source: Ministry of Defence of Denmark
