Babcock and Danske Flådeskibe deepen Anglo-Danish naval partnership on future frigates

Babcock International and Danske Flådeskibe K/S (DFS), a Danish naval consortium, have signed a Letter of Collaboration to develop a joint UK-Danish industrial approach for potential new frigates for the Royal Danish Navy. The agreement, announced at DALO Industry Days in Herning, builds on a framework established between Babcock and DFS in early 2026. DFS includes OMT Group, Terma, PensionDanmark, and Semco Maritime, and was formed to provide an integrated Danish solution for designing, constructing, and supporting future naval vessels.

The collaboration aims to combine Babcock’s frigate design and international programme experience with DFS’s Danish industrial capabilities and infrastructure. Under the agreement, both parties will work on frigate solutions and develop a joint industrial model for delivering and supporting the programme throughout its lifecycle. The collaboration is part of Babcock’s broader engagement with Danish industry, including additional agreements announced at DALO Industry Days.

The partnership is intended to support the development of a long-term Danish naval shipbuilding capability through knowledge and technology transfer, construction and integration in Denmark, and sustained participation by Danish suppliers. Babcock estimates that the proposed industrial model could support around 2,000 direct and indirect jobs in Denmark, contributing to the country’s sovereign industrial base.

Sir Nick Hine, Babcock’s Chief Growth Officer, stated that the agreement with DFS, alongside growing partnerships in Danish industry, demonstrates a commitment to building the future together. Hans Schneider, CEO of Danske Flådeskibe, emphasised that the collaboration ensures Denmark’s future frigates strengthen both the Royal Danish Navy and the country’s sovereign industrial capability, with Danish companies leading the programme from design to long-term support.