Denmark currently has major problems with monitoring below the sea surface, and intelligence services have warned that the threat of Russian hybrid warfare is increasing. Therefore, the seabed must be monitored better. Therefore, a political majority wants to purchase a ship to monitor critical underwater infrastructure. This is stated in a press release from the Ministry of Defense on Friday.
- With the expected acquisition of a ship for underwater and seabed surveillance, we are strengthening our ability to monitor and protect the underwater infrastructure on which Denmark is deeply dependent. This is an area where threats are constantly evolving, and where we must be able to respond quickly and independently, says Minister of Defense Troels Lund Poulsen (V).
Denmark has a large coastline and responsibility for Greenland and the Faroe Islands.
According to intelligence sources, Russian ships are known to monitor Danish waters and map critical infrastructure, among other things. The minister has warned about this. Military and civilian ships sail around Nordic waters and uncover what lies on the seabed and how the infrastructure is connected.
Denmark has previously entered into cooperation with a number of other countries to better monitor maritime threats. In April 2025, a majority signed an agreement for 26 ships to monitor underwater infrastructure such as submarine cables.
After Russia's full-scale war against Ukraine, threats and incidents have increased. Among other things, the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline was blown up on the bottom of the Baltic Sea, while other infrastructure has also been attacked. Italian and Polish police have arrested two Ukrainians who are suspects in the specific case.
Ownership rather than leasing
It is the recommendation of the Defence Command that Denmark should own the ship rather than lease it. This should create freedom of action and operational control and will ensure that it can be modified to suit Danish wishes. This is done after a "revised" analysis, but it is not clear why.
According to Chief of Defence General Michael W. Hyldgaard, Denmark's ability to secure critical underwater infrastructure is being strengthened.
- The Defence's ability to detect, classify and neutralise deviations from the normal picture in the water column and on the seabed is improved by the agreement. And that is good for the Defence and for the entire Kingdom, says General Michael W. Hyldgaard.
It is not clear how much the ship will cost approximately, or where it will sail to, what capacity is being sought, or when it will be able to be put into service. Ritzau has asked about this.
The money comes primarily from the acceleration fund, which is allocated for the billion-dollar armament of Denmark.
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