WATCH: Danish Navy’s frigate Niels Juel test-fires SM-2 missile

The Royal Danish Navy’s Iver Huitfeldt-class frigate HDMS Niels Juel (F-363) has fired Standard Missile-2 (SM-2) Block IIIA for the first time.

The frigate tested the missile in a training area off the coast of Andøya Island in Northern Norway at the beginning of the month.

Recently, the vessel was fitted with this new air defence missile which will be included in the weapon system.

“We now have SM-2 missiles onboard that we will use to certify the weapon system. We have updated the fire control systems software on the ship and now need to verify that it is working. We previously tested the systems with a test missile that could not fly, and now we need to test with missiles that can actually fly,” Anders Skeel, PM for the SM-2 acquisition at the Ministry od Defence’s Materiel and Procurement Agency, said.

According to the navy officials, the installation of SM-2 Block IIIA missile will allow the Danish frigate to conduct defence operations and strengthen maritime security in Danish waters.

The vessel also participated in the multinational exercise Mjoelner 2022 together with Absalon-class frigate HDMS Absalon (F341) from 7 to 13 May. HDMS Absalon fired a Harpoon missile at a target during the exercise.

In addition to Denmark, Belgium, the Netherlands, Norway and Germany also participated in the drill. Belgian Navy’s Karel Doorman-class frigate Leopold I fired a Harpoon Block II missile for the first time during Mjoelner 2022.

On 24 May, Denmark and the US will conduct a joint exercise activity in Bornholm as part of the American-led exercise Defender Europe 22.