Denmark withdraws frigate offer to NATO

Denmark has to modify its contribution to NATO’s maritime forces due to ongoing issues with the frigate Iver Huitfeldt after a Red Sea mission. Defense Minister Troels Lund Poulsen informed parliament, suggesting Denmark could instead lead NATO’s naval forces from its stations. The frigates Iver Huitfeldt and Niels Juel were to alternately serve as the alliance’s flagship in the latter half of 2024. However, unresolved issues with the ships’ air defense systems prompted a change of plans. Acting Defense Chief Michael Hyldgaard, emphasizing the need for deployment readiness in the face of a worsening threat environment, decided against deploying the frigate as a combat unit. The decision follows an incident where the Iver Huitfeldt experienced failures and defective ammunition while downing four drones in the Red Sea on March 9. Denmark will fulfill its commitments from home ports until the frigate is fully operational.