According to information published by the Danish MoD on January 27, 2025, Denmark has taken a step to strengthen its defense capabilities in the Arctic and North Atlantic through a new agreement involving the Faroese Executive and Greenlandic Naalakkersuisut.
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The Thetis-class patrol vessel HDMS Triton during a maritime patrol. (Picture source: NATO)
The move comes in the wake of heightened global interest in Greenland, particularly following remarks made by U.S. President Donald Trump in 2025 about potentially purchasing Greenland. These comments reignited international focus on the Arctic and underscored its value both strategically and as a resource-rich territory. For Denmark, this underscored the need to assert its sovereignty and strengthen its capabilities to safeguard the region against external pressures.
Central to this effort is the introduction of three new Arctic-capable ships, which will replace the aging Thetis-class patrol vessels. These Thetis-class ships, commissioned between 1991 and 1992, have served as a cornerstone of Denmark’s Arctic and North Atlantic operations for over three decades. Originally built by Svendborg Shipyard, the 3,500-ton vessels were designed to operate in some of the world’s harshest maritime environments, including Greenland’s ice-covered waters. Their reinforced hulls allowed them to perform year-round missions, ranging from sovereignty enforcement and fisheries inspection to search and rescue operations.
The Thetis-class vessels were groundbreaking for their time, equipped with helicopter platforms and capable of extended missions in remote areas. However, the demands of modern Arctic security have surpassed the class’s capabilities. With increased interest from global powers like Russia and China, as well as the technological advancements required to monitor and respond effectively to emerging threats, Denmark has recognized the need for more versatile and advanced naval assets.
The new Arctic-capable ships will feature improved ice-strengthened hulls, making them even more resilient in Greenland’s challenging waters. Unlike the Thetis-class, these ships will incorporate cutting-edge surveillance systems, enhanced communication capabilities, and the ability to deploy advanced equipment such as drones and helicopters. This modern design will allow Denmark to better monitor vast areas, improve its intelligence-gathering capabilities, and respond rapidly to incidents in the Arctic and North Atlantic.
The replacement of the Thetis-class is more than a technical upgrade—it is a strategic recalibration. The new ships are not only intended to enforce sovereignty but also to bolster Denmark’s contributions to NATO and its allies. The Arctic is increasingly becoming a contested geopolitical arena, with Russia expanding its military infrastructure in the region and China pursuing economic and scientific interests. Denmark’s investment in these new ships reflects a commitment to maintaining a strong presence and deterring any challenges to its territorial integrity.
The timing of these developments also signals Denmark’s proactive approach in the face of renewed external pressures. Trump’s remarks in 2025 highlighted Greenland’s strategic importance on the global stage, prompting Denmark to double down on its sovereignty and security initiatives. While the remarks were not acted upon, they served as a stark reminder of the potential for foreign powers to challenge Denmark’s control over the region.
Beyond their military significance, these new ships also align with Denmark’s commitment to fostering local partnerships in Greenland and the Faroe Islands.
