According to information published by the US DoD on May 15, 2023, the Royal Danish Navy Absalon-class frigate HDMS Esbern Snare (F342) fires a Harpoon anti-ship missile to counter a simulated threat during a scenario as part of exercise Formidable Shield 2023.
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Danish Absalon class frigate HDMS Esbern Snare firing Harpoon missile. (Picture source: US DoD)
HDMS Esbern Snare features impressive dimensions, including a displacement of 6,300 tonnes, a length of 137.6 meters (451 feet 5 inches), a beam of 19.5 meters (64 feet), and a draft of 6.3 meters (20 feet 8 inches).
The propulsion system of the HDMS Esbern Snare consists of two MTU 8000 M70 diesel engines, which contribute to the ship's total power output of 22,300 bhp (16.4 MW).
This enables the ship to achieve speeds exceeding 24 knots (44 km/h). In terms of endurance, it has a significant range of 9,000 nautical miles (17,000 km) at a cruising speed of 15 knots (28 km/h).
The ship's landing craft capacity includes two SB90E LCP and two RHIBs, with a total crew complement of 169 personnel.
The HDMS Esbern Snare is fitted with advanced sensors and processing systems, such as the Thales SMART-S Mk2 3D volume search radar, the Terma C-Flex Command & Control C4I System, the Terma Scanter 6002 surface search and helo radar, and the Atlas ASO 94 sonar. It is also equipped with four Saab CEROS 200 fire control radars and an ES-3701 Tactical Radar Electronic Support Measures (ESM) system.
In terms of armaments, the ship boasts a 5-inch (127mm)/54 Mark 45 mod 4 gun, seven 12.7mm heavy machine guns, a VLS with up to 36 cells for RIM-162 ESSM/RIM-7 Sea Sparrow (Mk 56/Mk 48 VLS), and eight Harpoon Block II SSMs.
Later additions to its weaponry include two Oerlikon Millennium 35mm Naval Revolver Gun Systems CIWS, MU90 Impact ASW torpedoes, and four Stinger point-defence SAMs.
The ship's electronic warfare and decoy capabilities are provided by four 12-barrelled Terma DL-12T 130mm decoy launchers, two 6-barrelled Terma DL-6T 130mm decoy launchers, and a Seagnat Mark 36 SRBOC system.
