Absalon-class

Summary

Description

The Absalon class frigates, part of the Royal Danish Navy and commissioned in 2005, represent a unique blend of a frigate and military transport ship with versatile capabilities. The class consists of two vessels designed to quickly transition from combat ships to support roles, such as hospital ships, within a very short time frame.

Originating from a collaboration between the Royal Danish Navy, the Danish Defence Acquisition and Logistics Organization, and contractors, with Odense Maritime Technology being the primary designer, these ships were tailored to meet the Danish Navy's requirements for a multi-mission vessel. Emphasis was placed on flexibility, enabling the craft to take on various roles and tasks. The construction of these ships adheres to naval standards set by DNV GL, utilizing STANAG and featuring an open architecture for easily upgradeable systems. The vessels were constructed using competitive, modern shipbuilding technology, focusing on cost-efficiency, and integration of the on-board systems was largely managed directly by the Danish military.

The Absalon class features an internal multipurpose deck, capable of housing a range of equipment for different missions, such as a containerized command and control center, room for a company-sized landing force, mine-laying or mine-clearing equipment, a containerized hospital, or simply to transport standard containers or vehicles. The stern ramp enables the launch and retrieval of fast landing crafts. Built with a 'Bathtub' armament deck, this area houses five StanFlex module slots, limiting it to missile-firing modules due to its location. Ship defenses and armaments can be tailored for specific missions using these interchangeable modules.

Named after historical figures Esbern Snare and Archbishop Absalon, who conducted naval campaigns in the 12th century, construction begun in 2003, with the ships being launched the following year and commissioned in 2005. While initially installed with StanFlex modules, they only reached full operational capability in 2007 after the installation of additional weaponry and defense systems. More recent upgrades include the replacement of the Scanter 2001 radar with the Terma Scanter 6002 in 2020.

With the end of the Cold War, there was a deliberate choice to label these ships as "Flexible support ships" to avoid tensions with Russia. However, in October 2020, the ships underwent reclassification as anti-submarine warfare frigates. Part of this transition involves upgrades with towed array sonars, integration of hull-mounted sonar, and equipping Seahawk helicopters with submarine detection equipment, with expectations to finalize these enhancements by 2026.

Technical specifications