The frigate-mounted long-range SM-2 interceptor missile is expected to improve Denmark's capacity and made it a “credible” NATO partner in escort missions, among others.
The Danish frigate Niels Juel has performed the first launch of a long-range SM-2 missile, which is able to shoot down enemy aircraft and missiles.
The US-made SM-2 has been billed as the most innovative tool in Denmark's arsenal by, among others, Johannes Kidmose, the head of the Centre for Maritime Operations at the Defense Academy, who stressed the significance of the launch.
“It is the most advanced missile we have ever had in the Armed Forces. The missile will provide a capacity comparable to the contributions of other NATO countries, thus making Denmark a “credible partner” in the NATO alliance, he said, Sputnik reported.
Dan B. Termansen, the commander of the Navy's 2nd Squadron, argued that the three frigates can now finally exploit their potential to the full.
“They have a certain ability for underwater warfare. They have a certain ability for surface war against other ships and land targets. And now they have expanded the capability for air warfare. Now you can shoot planes down at much longer distances than before,” Termansen told TV2.
Among other things, this allows protecting other ships from longer distances than has previously been possible, he stressed. This, according to Termansen, can be used for escorting forces to the Baltics.
MA/PR
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