The Royal Danish Navy’s (RDN) Iver Huitfeldt-class frigate, Niels Juel (F 363), has successfully test-fired a long-range surface-to-air missile, Standard Missile-2 (SM-2) Block IIIA.
The milestone also marks a SM-2 type missile was installed and test launched from a Danish Iver Huitfeldt-class frigate for the first time.
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The First of Class (FOC) shooting was conducted by the Danish Defence Acquisition and Logistics Organisation (DALO).
Besides, DALO is planning to install SM-2 missiles on all the three Iver Huitfeldt-class frigates including Peter Willemoes (F 362) and Iver Huitfeldt (F 361).
The installation of SM-2 Block IIIA missile will allow the Danish frigates to conduct defence operations in the conflict areas across the globe along with providing protection to the Danish territory.
Danish Naval Command head rear admiral Torben Mikkelsen said: “The frigates already have radars and other sensors and a well-trained crew, which together enable the frigates to closely and accurately monitor airspace and quickly detect enemy aircraft or missiles.
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By GlobalData“With the SM-2 missiles, the frigates will be able to shoot down these possibly enemy aircraft and missiles at a longer distance.
“It simply makes the frigates better for air defence, which is important in relation to the defence of Denmark and supports the demand from Nato.”
In July 2018, the US State Department approved the possible sale of 46 SM-2 Block IIIA All-Up Rounds, RIM BK IIIA (VLS), and other associated equipment to Denmark.
The foreign military sale was estimated to be around $152m.
DALO SM-2 missile system acquisition project manager Anders Skeel Bytzau said: “We have been working for many years to implement this capability.
“Now we look forward to being able to use the data we have from the test firing for the further work towards a final implementation of the missile system.”
