Denmark is reinforcing its naval capabilities with the acquisition of additional Evolved SeaSparrow Missiles (ESSM) Block 2, along with associated support equipment designated for its Iver Huitfeldt-class frigates. The Danish Ministry of Defense has made this announcement public, revealing that around 880 million Danish kroner (approximately $133 million) has been allocated from the Acceleration Fund to facilitate this purchase. Part of this funding will expedite the delivery of some ESSM missiles that were previously scheduled for acquisition.
While specific numbers regarding the additional medium-range, surface-to-air missiles ordered were not disclosed, Defense Minister Troels Lund Poulsen emphasized that this acquisition aims to bolster the defense capabilities of Danish warships against threats such as missiles, aircraft, and drones.
The ESSM Block 2 missile is part of the NATO SeaSparrow missile program and was developed by a twelve-nation consortium led by Raytheon, which includes Australia, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Germany, Greece, the Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Turkey, and the United States. Defense Chief Michael Wiggers Hyldgaard noted Denmark’s long-standing role in the project, stating, “For almost 60 years, Denmark has been involved as a ‘foundation partner’ in NATO’s SeaSparrow project. Together with other countries’ defense — based on operational experience — we have contributed to the ongoing and comprehensive development of the system.”
The ESSM Block 2 boasts enhanced speed and maneuverability, equipped with a larger rocket motor, thrust vector controller, and aerodynamic control fins, allowing it to effectively counter various aerial threats. The missile integrates an X-band active radar seeker along with semi-active guidance, enabling it to independently track and engage targets, thereby eliminating the need for continuous radar support from the launching ship. It can reach speeds of Mach 4 and has a range of approximately 50 kilometers (31 miles).
The Iver Huitfeldt-class frigates, primarily designed for air defense, carry an array of armaments, including MK41 Vertical Launch System (VLS) Harpoon Block II missiles and Oto Melara 76mm Super Rapid guns. Designed by Odense Maritime Technology, these modular warships weigh in at 6,649 tonnes and measure 138.7 meters (455 feet) in length, with a capacity to accommodate a crew of 165.
In addition to this missile acquisition, Denmark is poised to enhance its naval strength further by planning the procurement of more than 20 naval vessels, a move aimed at reinforcing the country’s defense amid rising regional tensions.
