Denmark Replace Iver Huitfeldt Frigates: Denmark is moving closer to a major decision on the future of its Navy as it looks at new air defence frigates to eventually replace its three Iver Huitfeldt-class ships.
There’s still no formal competition or final tender in place. However, several European shipbuilders are already working to put their designs forward. Industrial partnerships, shipbuilding capacity, cost and air defence weapons could all play an important role in Denmark’s final decision.
The Royal Danish Navy currently operates three Iver Huitfeldt-class frigates. They’re F361 Iver Huitfeldt, F362 Peter Willemoes and F363 Niels Juel. The ships are mainly designed for air defence but can also take part in anti-surface and anti-submarine missions.
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Why Denmark is Looking For New Frigates
Denmark first outlined its plans for future frigates in its 2025 naval investment plan. The government said it wanted to build a stronger Navy and start preparing for the next generation of Danish frigates.
The Danish government said the existing frigates still have years of service left. At the same time, it wanted to begin the planning early because building and introducing a new class of warships can take many years. The plan also puts attention on production in Denmark and stronger naval capacity.
Air defence is expected to be one of the biggest parts of the new requirement. Denmark has already taken steps to strengthen the air defence weapons on its current frigates. In May 2025, the country announced around DKK 880 million for additional Evolved Sea Sparrow Missile Block 2 systems and faster delivery of missiles already ordered.
Which Frigates Could Be Considered?
France’s Naval Group is offering its FDI frigate and has become a major focus of recent reporting. Defence Express reported in September that France hopes to reach a deal with Denmark for four FDI frigates. It also said Denmark’s growing defence relationship with France could help the French proposal.
However, the FDI isn’t the only option. Babcock is promoting the Arrowhead 140, which has a strong connection to Denmark because the design grew from the Iver Huitfeldt family. Babcock and the Danish consortium Danske Flådeskibe signed a cooperation agreement in August 2026 to develop a joint UK-Danish approach for potential future frigates.
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Spain’s Navantia is also pushing the F110 Flight II/IAMD. The upgraded version has been developed with much stronger air defence capabilities and was displayed in Denmark in August as Navantia targets the Danish requirement.
Germany’s Rheinmetall Naval Systems has another possible option in the GMF 140. The design is around 140 metres long, has a displacement of about 6,000 tonnes and is planned with 64 vertical launch system cells.
South Korea’s Hanwha Ocean has also shown designs for Denmark, including the larger HDF-6000. Recent reporting said the Danish programme could put major weight on the number and type of air defence missiles a new frigate can carry.
