This was announced by US Secretary of Defence Lloyd Austin on 23 May 2022 as one of the results of a further meeting of an international coalition for military support for Ukraine with representatives from Kiev.
In this case, twenty nations negotiated, but more precise details of the participants were not disclosed. As early as 19 May, Reuters reported that Washington was considering sending Harpoon and Naval Strike Missile (NSM) to Ukraine. The Danish offer announced during the 'donor conference' solves the problems associated with such a transfer. On the one hand, the US armed forces themselves do not have platforms that would allow Harpoon to be deployed from land to sea. Secondly, the technical adaptation of sea-based systems is not easy. Reuters quotes US officials as saying "the United States was working on possible solutions, which included pulling a launcher off a US ship."
Harpoon or NSM
Mobile Harpoon battery of the Danish MOBA OBS. Photo: Forsvarets Bibliotek 5 June 2002
Alternatively, the search was on for a European ally to take over the transfer. In addition to Harpoon, the Naval Strike Missile (NSM) manufactured by the Norwegian company Kongsberg was included in the selection. The difficulty for the USA was that no-one agreed to take part in the preliminary talks due to the fear of reprisals from Russia, also because no-one wanted to be the first and only one, especially in the event that a Russian ship was "affected" by a missile from precisely this inventory of the country concerned.
The relief was all the greater when Denmark agreed to make the transfer last Monday (23 May). "I am particularly grateful to Denmark for announcing today that it will provide a Harpoon launcher unit and missiles to help Ukraine defend its coastline," said Austin during a press conference at the Pentagon.
No official statements have been made about the Harpoon version concerned. However, it is known that the Danish Navy has Harpoon Block II (RGM-84L-4), which is also capable of land targets. The Royal Danish Navy was the first export customer for Harpoon Block II. It ordered 50 retrofit kits for its Harpoon systems in 1997, which were delivered in 2002. "Denmark, an existing Harpoon customer, was the first country to sign a $10 million contract for 50 upgrade kits in 1997," according to a Boeing press release dated 26 April 2002, the day the first Harpoon Block II missiles were delivered after conversion.
Launch of a Harpoon from a MOBA battery.
Photo: Forsvarets Bibliotek
Danish MOBA OBS lives on
Until 2002/2003, the Danish Navy had a mobile, lorry-based support unit. Over the years, a pure replenishment unit, MOBA LOG, evolved into MOBA OBS, which co-operated with Danish and German fast patrol boats in situational awareness. After 1990, MOBA was equipped with Harpoon missiles. However, MOBA was closed down again in 2003 in the course of developments following the end of the Cold War. It is therefore questionable whether the two MOBA missile batteries (2x4 missiles) were converted to Harpoon Block II.
One of the two mothballed batteries will now probably make its way to the Ukraine. It is currently unknown whether the original Scania lorries will continue to be used. Other details are also not public - such as the further scope of C2 equipment, any logistical arrangements or training. A corresponding enquiry from the Naval Forum was rejected with the reference that no details should be disclosed at this time in order to protect itself and Ukraine.
MOBA OBS, radar and Harpoon launcher Photo: Forsvarets Bibliotek
Courageous Copenhagen
In any case, the current decision could mark a turning point for naval operations in the Black Sea. In the meantime, the aim is to facilitate Ukrainian grain exports - including by sea. In this respect, the initiative now being launched by Washington is a further indication that there is a willingness to end the naval blockade. With additional capabilities to act from the coast to the sea, Ukraine would be able to conduct an A2/AD (anti-access area denial) operation, albeit on a small scale. Which could have an impact on the Russian blockade - up to the opening of transport corridors.
With the more modern Harpoon Block II version and its range of 150 nautical miles, operations against land targets even became a possibility - for example against military installations in Crimea as well as other targets important for the logistical supply of the Russian armed forces.
Ultimately, by authorising the use of weapons systems 'made in the USA', Washington is proving that Russian reprisals are not feared. The Biden administration is determined to continue the war to Moscow's detriment. Both Washington and Copenhagen are leading hesitant allied European partners by example and with verve.
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