Iver Huitfeldt frigate in Argentina: what does that mean?

The Argentina authorities have confirmed discussions with the Kingdom of Denmark on the potential purchase of second-hand frigates of type Iver Huitfeldt. These units would replace ARA missile destroyersHérculesand ARAHeroínaretired in 2024.

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Purchase of used warships as a response to an outdated fleet

According to the information confirmed on 22 July by Juan Battaleme, Secretary for International Cooperation in the Argentine Ministry of Defence, preliminary discussions are being conducted with the Danish Navy on the possible acquisition of two anti-aircraft frigates of type Iver Huitfeldt. This was also confirmed by the SA Defens service. These units would enter the service of the withdrawn destroyers - ARAHércules(not powered by turbine failures) and ARAHeroína, whose modernization blocked the British embargo in 2010 on the supply of key components.

Features and capabilities of the combat frigate type Iver Huitfeldt

The Iver Huitfeldt frigates were designed for escort tasks and participation in allied activities, especially within NATO. Their design is based on modified Absalon hull structure.Main tasks of these shipsis anti-aircraft defence, combating water and underwater targets and providing cover for own forces and critical infrastructure.

Ships have a full displacement of 6645 tons, a length of over 138 metres, and their gym is based on four MTU diesel engines of the 8000 series, providing a speed exceeding 28 knots. Range at march speed of 18 knots is up to 9000 Mm.

The combat equipment of the units consists, among others, of the Mk 41 vertical launch launchers for SM-2 and ESSM missiles, Harpoon Block II anti-ship missiles, OTO Melara cal artillery systems. 76 mm and 35 mm CIWS Millennium, as well as MU90 torpedo launchers. In the field of hazard detection, frigates use Thales SMART-L and APAR radars as well as Atlas ASO 94 forward sonar. MH-60R helicopters can operate from the ship's deck, which significantly increases the ship's flexibility.

Advantages and limitations

Although Iver Huitfeldt frigates are considered to be one of the most armed units built in Europe in the last two decades, their operation in the Danish navy is far from seamless. During the Red Sea mission in March 2024 the flagship series,HDMS Iver Huitfeldt, could not fire ESSM missiles for nearly 30 minutes due to failure of the fire control system. The crew had to switch to a 76-millimeter ship cannon, but about half of the launched missiles detonated prematurely. Worse still, identical problems from faulty ammunition to jammed launchers – were also reported on sister units, which makes us talk about a serial problem rather than a single incident.

Due to the high cost of the necessary modifications and plans to implement the new air defense frigate, the Danish Navy intends to reduce the combat potential of the current units, transforming them into long-range OPV ships capable of performing typically patrol tasks.

An attractive option for Buenos Aires?

In the context of budgetary constraints, Argentina has been considering the acquisition of second-hand vessels for years, which are subsequently upgraded with the assistance of foreign partners. The Turkish company ASELSAN presented Buenos Aires with an offer of comprehensive modernization – from the exchange of radars and sonars, to electronic combat systems, to new combat management systems.

The incorporation into the Argentine service of La Armada Argentina frigate type Iver Huitfeldt could provide a real reinforcement for the fleet, allowing effective conduct of patrol, air defense and the fight of the ZOP. These units could also significantly increase Argentina's ability to supervise and protect maritime interests in the South Atlantic, particularly in the Falkland Islands.

The decision has not yet been made

Although negotiations are ongoing, the final decision to acquire the frigate will depend on a number of factors: available financial resources, parallel purchasing plans (including for submarines) and the level of progress of the talks with Denmark and the entities capable of carrying out the necessary modernisation work. Regardless of the outcome, the current initiative points to the desire to overcome stagnation and restoration of Argentine maritime capacity after years of negligence and limitations.

Written by Mariusz Dasiewicz