The Danish frigate, HDMS Iver Huitfeldt, has faced a significant setback in its contribution to Operation Prosperity Guardian in the Red Sea. Technical issues with the air defenses have forced the mission to be cut short by approximately two weeks. These issues arose during an engagement with a group of 15 Houthi drones on March 9. Furthermore, highlights the critical nature of the situation. Defense news site OLFI was the first to report on the issues. This included the frigate being unable to use its ESSM air defense missiles. It was during half an hour, as well as “up to half” of the rounds fired from the twin 76 mm guns detonating too early and close to the ship.

Despite these issues, the frigate managed to down four of the incoming drones. Also, with the rest being handled by other vessels. Following a 30 minute reboot of the air defence system. Moreover, the ESSM was back on line and three missiles as well as 50-100 rounds of 76 mm ammunition. This was eventually used to bring down the four drones during the engagement which in total lasted about an hour.

The Danish Ministry of Defence stated on April 3 that General Flemming Lentfer. Rather ironically, with a background in the air defenses and the Danish HAWK batteries. He has been relieved from his position as Chief of Defence, effective immediately. Major-general Michael Hyldgaard is taking over as acting ChoD. He, in turn, comes from a position as head of the Danish special forces.

The Fallout of Danish Frigate Politics

A significant part of the fallout of what quickly is shaping up to be a moderate scandal in Danish politics is the role of the political leadership. Following the engagement, the commanding officer of HDMS, Iver Huitfeldt commander (s.g) Sune Lund, sent a message on March 13 describing issues with sensors. Also, the combat management system and the 76 mm rounds. Also, noting that the significant increase in consumption of rounds would “seriously” reduce the combat capability. In addition, the resilience of the frigate. Following this, the Danish Defence Command and Navy reportedly took immediate action.

However, Minister of Defence Troels Lund Poulsen told Danish public broadcaster DR that he knew about the issue only after OLFI reported it. A classified document seen by Danish TV 2 does however paint a markedly different story. Additionally, states that the MoD was informed as part of a meeting held on March 15. It was during which it was decided to hold a more detailed briefing on the issue three days later.

Reporting of Attack in Media

Sources to TV 2 state the defense forces now believe the number of rounds failing was significantly smaller than first feared. Even though on the other hand, the issues with the radar and combat management system. These have been known about earlier were reportedly more significant than anticipated.

A notable detail is that the vessel is equipped with the Thales APAR radar. Also, it was the primary sensor for the German Sachsen-class frigate Hessen, which had issues with its air defense weaponry back in February. Thales has issued a short statement following the Danish reports, saying that preliminary investigation by the Danish authorities. It said it “does not indicate a problem with the APAR radar.” Another notable report is that spares and equipment. Furthermore, both 76 mm guns – were borrowed from other Danish vessels before the frigate was sent to the Red Sea. Meanwhile, the HDMS Iver Huitfeldt reportedly passed all the tests without issue. This was following the installation of these. Thus, it has raised questions about possible problems with the integration of newly installed weapons