Denmark's military chief ousted over frigate's failed missile launch

Denmark's Defence Minister Troels Lund Poulsen announced on Wednesday evening that the head of the armed forces, Flemming Lentfer, has been dismissed. This move is reportedly linked to a controversy surrounding the frigate Iver Huitfeldt, which was dispatched to the Red Sea with faulty weaponry.

Poulsen had lost confidence in the chief of the armed forces. "A change is necessary in this position, as we are facing a historical strengthening of Danish defence," he highlighted during an urgently convened press conference.

At the start of the week, the website Olfi.dk reported that the Iver Huitfeldt frigate, deployed to fight Houthi drones in the Red Sea, could not launch missiles for thirty minutes during an engagement. In addition, emergency-deployed grenade launchers detonated prematurely, failing to hit their intended targets.

The Defence Minister revealed that he was informed of the incident on the same day the media released the details. Meanwhile, the commander of the Danish navy confirmed that he had reported the incident to the military leadership as early as mid-March.

Poulsen announced that Major General Michael Hyldgaard, the commander of special operations, will serve as the acting head of the armed forces. Lentfer has been in his role since December 2020.

The Iver Huitfeldt frigate has since returned to Denmark and will be showcased to journalists on Thursday.

In mid-March, the Danish government declared an increase in military expenditure to 2.4% of GDP starting this year. This includes extending mandatory military service and introducing conscription for women.