Denmark Eyes Revival of Coastal Defense with Modern NSM Missile Batteries

In a strategic move reflecting the evolving security landscape in Europe, Denmark is considering reactivating its coastal defense capabilities by deploying modern mobile anti-ship missile batteries equipped with the advanced Norwegian-made Naval Strike Missile (NSM). This decision marks a return to a concept Denmark once employed during the Cold War and is in line with broader trends seen across NATO countries following renewed tensions, particularly after the Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022.

A Legacy Revisited

Denmark’s history with coastal missile batteries dates back to the Cold War era when the Danish Navy operated mobile Harpoon missile systems. These were mounted on four-axle Scania trucks, using launchers originally deployed on the now-decommissioned Peder Skram-class frigates. The systems were managed by the Mobile Coastal Base Unit (MOBA) and consisted of two batteries, each with two launchers. However, by 2003, these units were phased out as part of broader defense restructuring.

Yet, the concept of mobile coastal missile batteries was not entirely forgotten. In a remarkable gesture of military support during the Ukraine war, Denmark revived this capability to create and donate a complete Harpoon missile battery to Ukraine. This contribution played a vital role in strengthening Ukraine’s coastal defense, especially around the port city of Odesa. The success of this initiative highlighted the enduring utility of mobile coastal defense systems.

NSM: A Modern Missile for a Modern Threat

The missile system Denmark is now looking to adopt—the Naval Strike Missile (NSM)—is a cutting-edge, fifth-generation anti-ship and land-attack missile developed by Norway’s Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace. The NSM has become the go-to missile system for many NATO members due to its versatility, stealthy design, and potent strike capability.

Key Specifications of the NSM:

• Range: Over 185 km (approx. 100 nautical miles)

• Speed: Subsonic (High subsonic)

• Guidance System: GPS/INS with a passive imaging infrared seeker and terrain recognition

• Warhead: 125 kg (275 lb) high-explosive fragmentation with programmable fuse

• Platform Compatibility: Sea- and land-based launchers (including truck-mounted solutions)

One of the key strengths of the NSM is its sea-skimming flight profile and ability to maneuver unpredictably, making it difficult for enemy air defenses to intercept. Its imaging infrared seeker provides pinpoint accuracy and target discrimination even in cluttered coastal environments, ideal for Denmark’s geographically complex and narrow Baltic inlets.

Strategic Importance for Denmark

Denmark’s strategic geography makes the revival of coastal defense particularly relevant. The Danish Straits are one of the few entrances to the Baltic Sea, and controlling this chokepoint is crucial both for national security and NATO operations. The lessons from the conflict in Ukraine have shown how mobile missile batteries can significantly alter the balance in coastal defense, especially against amphibious or naval threats.

Additionally, Denmark has already chosen the NSM as the replacement for its aging ship-launched Harpoons, which adds a layer of operational efficiency and logistics simplicity by standardizing across platforms. The land-based NSM version would integrate well into the Danish defense framework and could operate alongside NATO allies using similar systems, such as Poland and the United States.

While Danish defense officials have yet to officially confirm the deployment of NSM coastal batteries, reports suggest that discussions are well underway and may soon result in a formal announcement. The Polish Maritime Missile Units, which successfully use truck-mounted NSMs, are believed to serve as an operational model for what a Danish system could look like.

Reintroducing a coastal missile defense capability—especially with a proven system like the NSM—would significantly enhance Denmark’s deterrence posture and reflect a broader trend in European rearmament focused on flexible, mobile, and modern solutions.

In today’s uncertain security climate, Denmark’s move is not just a nod to the past but a calculated step towards safeguarding its maritime borders in the future.