COPENHAGEN, Denmark — Denmark is set to dispatch a frigate to the Red Sea to bolster the U.S.-led Operation Prosperity Guardian, aiming to counter Houthi attacks on civilian shipping. The Danish government’s decision, advised by the Foreign Policy Council, responds to ongoing drone and missile attacks by Houthi militants, with the U.S. reporting 22 incidents since Oct. 19.
This move aligns with the interests of Danish shipping giant Maersk, the world’s second-largest shipping line, which is resuming transits through the troubled region while other companies reroute around the Cape of Good Hope.
Defense Minister Troels Lund Poulsen expressed concern over the unprovoked attacks in the Red Sea, highlighting Denmark’s existing contributions to maritime security and the decision to enhance this support with a frigate deployment.
Subject to Danish Parliament approval, the frigate is expected to join the naval coalition, established by the U.S. earlier this month, by late January. The coalition aims to secure freedom of navigation in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden. Denmark, initially absent from the list of 10 countries participating in Operation Prosperity Guardian, is already a part of the U.S.-led Combined Maritime Forces, contributing three staff officers, including one to the operation.
Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen highlighted Denmark’s duty as a key maritime player to enhance maritime security. He denounced the Houthi assaults on global shipping amidst rising security concerns, emphasizing the significance of the Danish frigate’s role.