Germany has redirected the Sachsen-class frigate Hamburg to Copenhagen to strengthen air defense during the EU summit, following a series of drone sightings over Danish military sites and infrastructure. Denmark temporarily banned all civilian drone flights until October 3 to enhance security measures.
Hamburg, the second unit of the 143-meter, 5,700-ton Type 124 class, is optimized for area air defense and sensor-to-effects integration. Its combination of the four-face Thales APAR active phased-array radar and SMART-L long-range surveillance radar enables tracking of low-altitude small targets and conventional aircraft, improving detection of erratic drone swarms.
The ship’s arsenal includes Mk 41 vertical launch cells equipped with SM-2, RIM-162 ESSM, and RAM missiles. ESSM targets larger drones and loitering munitions, RAM covers close-in defense. The 76 mm OTO Melara gun, remote weapon stations, and Harpoon launchers provide additional options against drones and potential maritime threats.
Electronic warfare and sensors monitor control links and GNSS signals, while embarked Sea Lynx or NH90 helicopters extend surveillance and support intervention teams. Stationed in central Copenhagen, Hamburg provides continuous sensor coverage, layered missile and gun responses, and integration into NATO’s air picture, making low-signature drones less predictable.
This deployment is coordinated with NATO’s Baltic Sentry mission and the temporary civilian drone ban, ensuring the airspace remains secure during high-profile EU discussions. Although Danish authorities have not named potential perpetrators, some commercial vessels and Russian-linked entities are considered risk factors. Hamburg’s presence serves as a direct deterrent to prevent the summit airspace from being used as a test zone.
