Absalon-class

The Absalon class consists of two vessels operated by the Royal Danish Navy. Developed to replace the Falster class, the ships were designed by a joint team including the Royal Danish Navy, the Danish Defence Acquisition and Logistics Organization, and Odense Maritime Technology. Construction occurred at Odense Steel Shipyard, with the lead vessel laid down in 2003 and the second in 2004. The design utilizes DNV GL naval standards and STANAG protocols, incorporating commercial shipbuilding processes for the hulls while outfitting sensor and weapon systems internally. Originally designated as flexible support ships to address post-Cold War political considerations, the vessels reached full operational capability in 2007.

The class is a hybrid design combining frigate characteristics with military transport capabilities. A central feature is the internal multipurpose "flex deck" and a stern vehicle ramp. This configuration allows the ships to be adapted for various roles, including service as a command platform, a hospital ship, or a transport for a company-sized landing force and vehicles. The flex deck also supports mine-laying and mine-clearing operations, utilizing a retractable gantry crane for the launch and recovery of equipment and fast landing craft. The ships employ the StanFlex modular system, with a dedicated weapons deck containing slots for missile-firing modules. Aviation facilities support the operation of two helicopters from the aft deck and hangars. For littoral operations, the vessels carry rigid hull inflatable boats and landing craft.

In 2020, the Royal Danish Navy reclassified the vessels as anti-submarine warfare frigates. As part of this transition, the ships received updated surface search radars. A modernization program scheduled for completion in 2026 includes the installation of towed array sonars to supplement existing hull-mounted systems. The ship-based helicopters are also being equipped with dipping sonars, sonobuoys, and torpedoes to support the anti-submarine role. Previous updates included the installation of 3D volume search radars and specialized fire control systems for target engagement.