France hopes to finalize and sign an agreement by the end of 2026 to supply four FDI-class (Frégate de Défense et d'Intervention; English: Defense and Intervention Frigate) frigates to Denmark. This confidence stems from the recent alignment of the two nations on defense matters.
This information emerged following a visit to Copenhagen by France's Minister Delegate to the Minister of the Armed Forces, Élise Rufo, as reported by Le Journal du Dimanche. The official noted that while Denmark previously held a strongly "Atlanticist" stance on defense, the escalating russian threat and instability in transatlantic relations have prompted the country to shift toward a position closer to France—one that places greater emphasis on European sovereignty.
Read more: Does Ukraine Still Have a Chance of Receiving SAMP/T NG Earlier After Denmark Joins the Delivery Queue?
Over the past year, Denmark has ordered French MICA VL air-defense systems to bolster its air defenses. The Danish decision to select the SAMP/T NG air-defense system over the American Patriot is also a significant development.
Defense Express notes that the procurement of French Mistral MANPADS, scheduled for 2025, can also be added to this pattern of acquisitions. It is also worth mentioning Denmark's procurement of CAESAR self-propelled howitzers, but these artillery systems were subsequently transferred to the Armed Forces of Ukraine, while Denmark acquired Israeli Atmos systems to replace them.
Denmark is currently considering options to procure new frigates for its own needs to replace the existing Iver Huitfeldt-class frigates—vessels with a displacement of 6,645 tonnes equipped with 32 Mk41 universal vertical launch system cells. While key requirements have not yet been announced, it is known that significant emphasis will be placed on the ships' air defense capabilities.
Among the proposals submitted, South Korea's Hanwha Ocean has put forward the HDF-6000, as well as the smaller HDF-4000 frigates. These feature displacements of 6,500 tonnes and 3,000 tonnes and are equipped with 48 and 24 vertical launch system cells for anti-aircraft and cruise missiles respectively.
In contrast, the French FDI-class frigates have a displacement of 4,460 tonnes and offer up to 32 vertical launch system cells of the Sylver family. The latter are not universal, so if you want to use cruise missiles, you will have to reduce the number of launchers allocated for anti-aircraft missiles.
Since Denmark has not yet announced detailed requirements, it is difficult to say precisely which frigate will ultimately be selected or if the French will definitely be the ones chosen. However, European cooperation might work to France's advantage here, just as it did in the case of Sweden.
Read more: Denmark Develops Low-Cost UUV for Ukraine to Hit russian Ships, Bridges
