Denmark has formally approved plans to build five Arctic patrol vessels following a decision by the Defence Conciliation Circle, strengthening surveillance and maritime security around Greenland.
Construction will follow a multi-site production model, with manufacturing distributed across Denmark and final assembly taking place in Frederikshavn. The state will own the assembly facility, which is intended to support the construction of larger naval vessels in the years ahead.
The strategy aligns with recommendations from a Deloitte review, which identified decentralized production as the most economical option while expanding participation by Danish industry.
Fleet Renewal by 2030
The vessels are scheduled to enter service in 2030, replacing the Thetis and Knud Rasmussen classes, whose aging systems and repeated breakdowns have reduced Denmark’s ability to conduct sustained Arctic surveillance and search-and-rescue operations.
Likely Industry Partners
Although no builder has been selected, Danish media report that a Danske Flådeskibe-led consortium—including Terma, Odense Maritime Technology, PensionDanmark, and Semco Maritime—may be awarded the contract.
The consortium previously received DKK 490 million ($78 million) from the Ministry of Defence to develop patrol ship concepts for the Danish Navy, designs that were later tailored for Arctic conditions.
The approval comes after years of criticism that Denmark has delayed replacing its aging Arctic fleet, concerns that existed well before recent geopolitical debates over Greenland.
