Navy admits flaws on combat-tested frigate

The Danish Navy has acknowledged technical issues with the frigate Iver Huitfeldt’s readiness after it engaged in combat with hostile drones in the Red Sea on March 9. Navy chief Henrik Ryberg initiated a substantial investigation of the vessel’s functionality following the attack. During the incident, the frigate experienced radar failure and defective ammunition when shooting down four out of 15 drones launched by the Houthi movement. Due to the central defense system’s failure, cannons were used, but half of the shells detonated shortly after being fired without reaching enemy targets. The ongoing investigation’s results are not yet detailed, but Ryberg indicates not all reported issues are accurate. Problems were reportedly known for some time, leading to criticism from the Defence’s largest union, Centralforeningen for Stampersonel (CS), for sending soldiers into combat with inadequate equipment.