Denmark is taking part in the 55th edition of the naval exercise Baltic Operations (Baltops) in the Baltic Sea in June 2026. According to the Danish Defence, hundreds of soldiers, warships and combat aircraft from 16 NATO countries are participating. The exercise has been conducted annually since 1972. Denmark's contribution consists of the frigate Absalon with an accompanying Seahawk helicopter, as well as a naval staff leading an international force of warships from Absalon.
"The defence of Denmark begins here in the Baltic Sea," says Commodore Bo Overgaard, deputy chief of the Danish Navy and commander of the Danish force as well as the international group in the exercise. The exercise first comprises unit-level and joint-service training, followed by a tactical exercise with realistic scenarios. The exercise takes place across most of the Baltic Sea and concludes on 19 June 2026.