In the second half of 2024, Denmark will take on the responsibility of leading NATO’s standing naval force, which will operate aboard a Norwegian ship. This development follows Denmark’s initial plan to use the frigate Iver Huitfeldt as the flagship for the naval force during this period. However, due to challenges the frigate faced during operations in the Red Sea, these plans have had to be revised.

Defense Minister Troels Lund Poulsen (Venstre, the Liberal Party) informed the Danish Parliament (Folketinget) in June that the Iver Huitfeldt would not be deployed for active service. Consequently, Denmark offered NATO to fulfill its commitments through an alternative arrangement.

On Tuesday, the Danish Defense Command (Forsvarskommandoen) announced in a press release that the naval force has until now been led from a Danish frigate stationed in Denmark.

This move places Denmark in a significant role within the NATO alliance, ensuring that the country meets its military obligations despite the logistical and operational challenges that have impacted the original plans.