Thetis-class

Summary

Origin country 🇩🇰 Denmark
Category Patrol vessel
SubtypeOcean patrol frigates
ManufacturerSvendborg Skibsværft
Year commissioned1991
UnitsThetis, Triton, Vædderen, Hvidbjørnen

Operators

🇩🇰 Denmark

Technical specifications

Displacement3500 tons
Range 8700 km
Endurance60
Crew47 members
Width14.4 m (47.2 ft)
Length112.3 m (368.4 ft)
Air Park
  • 1 x Sikorsky MH-60R helicopter
Propulsion

3 × MAN B&W Diesel 12v28/32A-D at 2,940 kW (3,943 hp), single shaft; 1 × Brunvoll azimuth thruster (800 kW); 1 × electrical Brunvoll bow thruster (600 kW)

Armament
  • 1 × 76 mm/62 cal. OTO Melara Super Rapid DP gun
  • 2 × 12.7 mm heavy machine guns
  • 2 × 7.62 mm light machine guns
  • Stinger launchers
  • decoy launching systems
Maximum speed21 knots

Description

The Thetis class, also designated Stanflex 3000, is a series of four ocean patrol vessels built for the Royal Danish Navy by Svendborg Skibsværft. The class succeeded the Hvidbjørnen class, with construction beginning in the late 1980s and all units entering service by 1992.

The vessels utilize double-skinned and ice-reinforced hulls designed to meet DNV GL Ice-IA standards for navigation in ice-congested waters. The design incorporates the StanFlex modular system, which allows the ships to carry different mission-specific equipment modules. Technical systems include the Terma C-Flex Combat Management System, hull-mounted sonar, and thermal imaging. For aviation operations, the ships are equipped with an aft helicopter deck and hangar. The crew complement is adjusted based on the operational role, and the internal accommodation provides space for over 100 personnel. While the class was originally designed for various combat and patrol roles, the assigned sensors and armament have been reduced for cost reasons.

The class is assigned to the 1st Squadron, operating primarily around Greenland and the Faroe Islands, as well as Denmark and Iceland. Operational tasks include fishery inspection, search and rescue, sovereignty maintenance, and providing support to local authorities in Greenland. Thetis previously participated in the CANUMAS project and served as the fleet flagship until September 2007. The Royal Danish Navy plans to replace the class with MPV80-class vessels starting after 2025.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of ship is the Thetis-class?
The Thetis-class is a patrol vessel (Ocean patrol frigates) built by Denmark.
What is the displacement of the Thetis-class?
The Thetis-class has a displacement of 3,500 tons.
What is the maximum speed of the Thetis-class?
The Thetis-class has a maximum speed of 21 knots (38 km/h).
What is the range of the Thetis-class?
The Thetis-class has a range of 8,700 km (4,697 nautical miles).
How many crew members serve on the Thetis-class?
The Thetis-class has a crew complement of 47 personnel.
How many Thetis-class ships have been built?
4 vessels of the Thetis-class have been built.
Which countries operate the Thetis-class?
The Thetis-class is operated by Denmark.
Wikipedia and other open sources. Last updated on 18 January 2026. Suggest a change