Royal Danish Navy Fleet Renewal: New Frigates, Arctic Ships & Drones | DALO 2026

At DALO Industry Days 2026 in Herning, Denmark, Commodore Claus Andersen, Director of Naval Programs at the Danish Ministry of Defense Acquisition and Logistics Organization (DALO), provided a status update on the Royal Danish Navy’s fleet renewal.

Contracts are awarded for new mine-laying and environmental protection vessels, with construction started. A 2024 offshore supply vessel, to be delivered in November 2026, will be converted into a drone mothership for protecting critical subsea infrastructure. Unmanned surface vehicle tests are ongoing at a facility in Sealand.

Basic design for new Arctic ships, replacing the Thetis class, is being finalized this autumn, with construction contracts expected in late 2026 or early 2027. The future frigate program, focused on air defense and international cooperation, is set to ramp up under Denmark’s new government. In-service Absalon-class ships will receive Atlas towed-array sonars for anti-submarine warfare, while Iver Huitfeldt-class frigates are slated for weapon and sensor upgrades.

Sources: Naval News (YouTube)