Argentina considers acquiring Iver Huitfeldt-class frigates from Denmark to strengthen presence in the South Atlantic.

On July 22, 2025, Juan Battaleme, Secretary of International Affairs for the Argentine Ministry of Defense, confirmed that the Argentine Navy is currently in negotiations with the Royal Danish Navy to potentially procure two multipurpose frigates, specifically the Iver Huitfeldt-class, an information also confirmed by SA Defensa. This possible procurement aims to replace the recently decommissioned ARA Hércules and ARA Heroína. Both vessels had been non-operational for an extended period, with the ARA Hércules being out of service for over a decade due to the loss of its turbines, and the ARA Heroína, a MEKO 360-class destroyer, facing significant issues, including the removal of a vital component for reconditioning that was delayed by a British veto.
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Entered into service in 2012, the Iver Huitfeldt-class is a class of Danish air defense frigates developed to replace the older Niels Juel-class corvettes, providing a combination of air defense, surface warfare, and anti-submarine capabilities. (Picture source: Facebook/HDMS Iver Huitfeldt F361)

The Iver Huitfeldt-class is a class of air defense frigates developed for the Royal Danish Navy, with the first ship, HDMS Iver Huitfeldt, entering service in 2012. The class was designed to replace the Niels Juel-class corvettes and is based on a modified version of the hull design used in the Danish Navy's Absalon-class support ships. The primary focus of the Iver Huitfeldt-class was to enhance Denmark’s ability to participate in NATO operations while combining air defense, surface warfare, and anti-submarine capabilities. The ships of the Iver Huitfeldt-class are named after notable Danish naval figures: Iver Huitfeldt, Peter Willemoes, and Niels Juel. These frigates were constructed at Odense Steel Shipyard with blocks assembled in Estonia and Lithuania, before being brought to Denmark for final construction. 

The Iver Huitfeldt-class frigates have a displacement of 6,645 tons, with a length of 138.7 meters, a beam of 19.75 meters, and a draft of 6.45 meters. The ships are powered by four MTU 8000 M70 diesel engines, providing a top speed of over 28 knots and a range of 9,000 nautical miles at 18 knots. Developed for air defense, these frigates are equipped with advanced weaponry and sensor systems, including the Thales SMART-L long-range air surveillance radar, Thales APAR multi-function radar, Atlas ASO 94 hull-mounted sonar, and Terma SCANTER 6000 for surface and helicopter guidance, complemented by several electronic warfare and decoy systems, such as the Seagnat Mark 36 SRBOC and Terma Mk 137 decoy launchers. The frigates also feature a helicopter deck capable of supporting medium-sized helicopters such as the Sikorsky MH-60R Seahawk, enhancing their operational flexibility.

In terms of weaponry, the Iver Huitfeldt-class is armed with a Mark 41 Vertical Launching System (VLS) with 32 cells for SM-2 surface-to-air missiles, 24 RIM-162 Evolved Sea Sparrow Missiles (ESSM), and 16 Harpoon Block II anti-ship missiles. Additionally, the ships feature two OTO Melara 76mm main guns, a 35mm Oerlikon Millennium CIWS, and four torpedo launchers for anti-submarine warfare, capable of launching MU90 Impact torpedoes. The forward OTO Melara 76mm gun is prepared for replacement with a 127mm United Defense Mark 45 lightweight gun, providing greater firepower. Future upgrades to the class include the potential replacement of the Harpoon missile system with the Naval Strike Missile (NSM) to enhance long-range strike capabilities, and the integration of SM-2 and SM-6 missiles to further improve air defense. The class is also being considered for modifications to enhance its capabilities in line with NATO's evolving requirements. This combination makes the ships well-suited for tasks ranging from air defense to anti-piracy operations, as demonstrated in their recent deployments in regions like the Red Sea and Hormuz Strait, where they provided protection to commercial shipping.

Despite the advanced technology and capabilities of the Iver Huitfeldt-class ships, the Danish Navy has encountered significant technical issues with the class, raising concerns about their long-term viability. In March 2024, during a mission in the Red Sea, HDMS Iver Huitfeldt experienced multiple system failures, including a malfunction in the missile fire control system, which rendered the ship’s ESSMs inoperable. Additionally, the ship’s 76mm OTO Melara gun suffered issues, with several rounds detonating prematurely. These problems affected the entire class of ships, as the Iver Huitfeldt, Peter Willemoes, and Niels Juel all share similar weapon and sensor systems. Although the frigates have continued to operate in patrol and training roles, the Danish Chief of Defence, General Michael Hyldgaard, recommended halting upgrades to these ships due to the high costs associated with the necessary repairs and the impending replacement of the class as part of Denmark’s Fleet Plan.

The Danish Chief of Defence’s recommendation to abandon upgrades of the Iver Huitfeldt-class ships reflects a shift in focus towards procuring new, more advanced air defense frigates that would meet the evolving security needs of Denmark and NATO. However, the Danish Navy does not intend to scrap the Iver Huitfeldt-class vessels. Instead, they may be repurposed for long-range patrol duties, a role currently filled by smaller Diana-class patrol vessels. To facilitate this change, the ships would undergo a reduction in their sensor and weapon capabilities to align with their new mission profile. This would allow the Iver Huitfeldt-class frigates to continue operating in Danish waters for patrol, surveillance, and other non-combat missions. The shift in the frigates' role would enable Denmark to focus its resources on acquiring newer, more capable vessels.

For Argentina, the procurement of second-hand frigates, such as the Iver Huitfeldt-class, presents a cost-effective solution compared to building new ships, especially given the country’s financial constraints. Argentina has been exploring the option of acquiring used vessels and modernizing them to meet its operational needs. ASELSAN, a Turkish defense electronics company, has experience in upgrading MEKO-class frigates, including the MEKO 200TN frigates for the Turkish Navy. ASELSAN’s modernization offer for Argentina includes a wide array of systems, including radar, sonar, electronic warfare capabilities, and a fully upgraded combat management suite. This approach would allow the Argentine Navy to enhance its existing fleet without the significant costs associated with building new ships. The modernization package is particularly attractive because it offers a comprehensive upgrade to the ships' electronics and systems, ensuring they are compatible with modern naval operations.

The Iver Huitfeldt-class frigates could play a significant role in Argentina’s broader naval modernization program, complementing the ongoing efforts to update its submarine fleet and surface combatants. Acquiring these frigates would help Argentina regain a crucial maritime presence, allowing the country to protect its interests in the South Atlantic. The ships' versatility and advanced systems make them suitable for a variety of tasks, from air defense to anti-submarine warfare, and their ability to carry a helicopter enhances their operational flexibility. The potential acquisition of the Iver Huitfeldt-class frigates is a part of Argentina’s broader strategy to modernize its fleet, which has faced numerous challenges due to budget constraints and a lack of investment in recent years.

While the Iver Huitfeldt-class frigates offer Argentina an opportunity to modernize its fleet with relatively modern and capable vessels, the final decision on the procurement will depend on several factors. These include the financial resources available, the political will to invest in the modernization of the fleet, and the success of negotiations with Denmark. Additionally, the Argentine Navy’s focus on acquiring new submarines and modernizing its existing MEKO 360-class destroyers could influence the prioritization of the frigate acquisition. The outcome of these negotiations will play a crucial role in determining whether the Iver Huitfeldt-class frigates become a key part of Argentina’s naval modernization efforts. However, if the acquisition proceeds, these ships would significantly enhance Argentina’s ability to safeguard its maritime borders and contribute to regional security.