South Korea Offers Denmark New Frigates Faster and Cheaper Than European Rivals

South Korean shipbuilding giant HD Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI) has offered to build new frigates for Denmark on more attractive terms than those offered by European competitors.

The company says it can cut costs by 20–30% and deliver the first ship just 3.5 years after signing the contract, according to DR.

If the deal is signed this year, Denmark could receive all four modern frigates by 2031.

The South Korean manufacturer already has successful experience in the Danish market, including the construction of 19 vessels for logistics giant A.P. Møller–Mærsk.

Shipbuilders from Germany, France, and the United Kingdom are also competing for the contract, with senior government officials involved in the negotiations. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has confirmed active discussions around a proposal from Babcock, which is promoting its Arrowhead 140 frigate.

Denmark is planning to replace Italian-made naval guns on its future ships with Swedish Bofors systems, aiming to align its equipment with Sweden as part of closer Nordic defense cooperation.

At present, 76 mm OTO Melara guns are installed on three Iver Huitfeldt-class frigates, four Thetis-class vessels, and three Knud Rasmussen-class patrol ships.