In response to a series of alarming assaults on civilian shipping in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden, Denmark has announced its intent to join Operation Prosperity Guardian (OPG), an initiative led by the United States aimed at bolstering maritime security in the region. The decision to deploy a Danish frigate comes following deliberations within the government and consultation with the Foreign Policy Council. The move has garnered widespread support from the Folketing, Denmark’s legislative body. The heightened tensions in the region have been marked by a distressing surge in attacks and attempted attacks targeting civilian vessels. These assaults include hijackings, ballistic missile strikes, and drone attacks, posing a severe threat to the safety of international shipping.
“We are concerned about the serious situation unfolding in the Red Sea, where the unprovoked attacks against civilian shipping continue. It is of crucial importance for both Danish and international ship traffic and for the development of the region that you can sail safely in the area. Denmark already contributes to maritime security in the area, and the government wants to increase the contribution by deploying a Danish frigate. We will submit a resolution proposal to the Danish Parliament about this in the new year,” says Defense Minister Troels Lund Poulsen.
The Absalon class and the Iver Huitfeldt class are frigates of the Royal Danish Navy. The Absalon class are frigates of the Royal Danish Navy, commissioned in 2005. The two ships in the class may be described as a hybrid between a frigate and military transport ship with multiple role capabilities, with the capacity to be transformed from a combat ship with the firepower of a traditional frigate to a hospital ship within a day. The Iver Huitfeldt class is built on the experience gained from the Absalon-class frigates, and by reusing the basic hull design of the Absalon class. While the Absalon-class ships are primarily designed for command, support, and ASW roles, with a large ro-ro deck, the three new Iver Huitfeldt-class frigates are equipped for an air defence role with Standard Missiles, as well as the potential to use Tomahawk cruise missiles,[14] a first for the Royal Danish Navy.
Denmark, already actively contributing three staff officers to the Combined Maritime Forces (CMF), is set to bolster its involvement by presenting a resolution proposal to the Danish Parliament. This proposal seeks approval to deploy a Danish frigate to support Operation Prosperity Guardian, further fortifying the existing American-led coalition. The deployment of a Danish frigate, pending parliamentary approval, signifies Denmark’s unwavering commitment to upholding the freedom of navigation and ensuring the safety of vital maritime routes amidst escalating security challenges in the region. For further updates on Denmark’s involvement in Operation Prosperity Guardian and maritime security efforts, stay tuned for parliamentary resolutions and ongoing developments.
