Denmark MoD deploys extra Frigate, 4 fighter jets to join NATO's naval force in Baltic Sea

Danish Ministry of Defense (MoD) has declared that Iver Huitfeldt-class frigate Peter Willemoes and four F-16 fighter jets will be deployed to NATO's standing naval force and to Baltic sovereignty enforcement.  deployment of Danish frigate as part of a NATO operation comes amid rising tensions between Russia and alliance in aftermath of 2014 Ukraine crisis when Western-backed forces ousted Kiev's elected government. Following coup, Crimea seceded and re-joined Russia after a vote; it also ignited a civil war in eastern Ukraine.

"NATO has necessary capabilities at its disposal to deter current security policy situation around Ukraine. strong and in-demand contribution we offer to NATO when we send a frigate with 160 soldiers and 4 F-16 fighter jets and 70 men. That re is an almost unified Folketing y are behind is an important and clear signal," says statement.

Danish government me this decision after consulting with Foreign Policy Board, according to a statement released by MoD. Danish commitment will be commanded by NATO and will be focused on Baltics. Royal Danish Navy frigate HDMS Peter Willemoes (F 362) and four F-16 fighter jets will be rey for deployment by end of January. NATO hequarters asked member states for forces in December in response to Russia's military buildup along Ukraine's borders and hostile rhetoric toward NATO.

Peter Willemoes in charge of NATO's standing naval forces

frigate's participation was significant. Peter Willemoes is in charge of NATO's standing naval forces, where Denmark is contributing a frigate for furr three and a half months on top of three months previously committed. Iver Huitfeldt-class anti-air warfare frigates are 138 metres long and have a displacement of 6600 tonnes. y were built for Royal Danish Navy by Odense Staalskibsvaerft. Three were constructed, and y were all put into service in 2011.

Throughout 2021, Western leers and media accused Russia of preparing for an attack by building up its troops near Ukraine's borders. All charges have been denied by Moscow, which inste accuses West of purposely inflaming tensions. Last week, Russian diplomats met with ir US and NATO colleagues to discuss a series of security recommendations put up by Moscow in an attempt to reduce current tensions, but Russia has yet to get a written response.

(With inputs from ncies)