Rear Admiral Søren Kjeldsen, commander of the Royal Danish Navy, has proposed a major transformation of the country’s naval forces through the combined deployment of warships and three types of unmanned systems: aerial, surface and underwater drones. Danish broadcaster DR reported the proposal after obtaining an internal document signed by the naval commander.

Under the proposed concept, frigates equipped with advanced detection systems and weapons would form the core of the modernized fleet. In addition to their combat duties, these vessels would serve as floating command centers responsible for coordinating other naval forces.

The plan also calls for the development of a new class of vessels designated as small combat units. Their primary missions would involve countering unmanned systems and intercepting cruise missiles.

Each crewed warship would operate alongside several drones capable of conducting missions in the air, on the sea surface and underwater. These unmanned systems would monitor maritime traffic and protect critical infrastructure, including subsea pipelines and cables.

Kjeldsen has also proposed developing large armed maritime drones designed to provide support and protection for crewed naval vessels.

The document emphasizes the need to substantially strengthen Denmark’s naval combat capabilities. To meet its NATO commitments, the country requires six modern frigates. However, the proposal does not necessarily involve purchasing all six vessels, as part of the requirement could be met by extending the service lives of existing ships.

DR clarified that the document does not constitute an officially approved Danish military strategy. It reflects the naval commander’s personal proposals rather than an agreed position of the country’s armed forces. Danish military leadership separately confirmed this distinction.

Following the document’s publication, military commanders announced plans to conduct an internal investigation to determine how journalists obtained access to it.

In March 2025, Denmark’s Ministry of Defence had already announced a program to strengthen the navy. The initiative included plans to acquire dozens of vessels and upgrade surveillance equipment used to monitor strategically important underwater infrastructure.