The Anglo-Danish defence relationship is based on mutual respect, cooperation and, on occasion, joint exercises and operations:

NATO

Both nations are founding members of the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation, the collective defence treaty signed in 1949, guaranteeing mutual support to any member state under external threat. Denmark and the United Kingdom were at the forefront of NATO in Europe throughout the Cold War and have remained close associates in the activities of the alliance since.

Units of MCMFORNORTH

Whilst primarily intended for times of tension or war, NATO employs some standing units to carry out collective functions that need to be performed in peacetime. Units from all nations of the alliance regularly particpate in the Standing Naval Force Atalantic, STANAVFORLANT. Equally the Royal Danish Navy and the UK’s Royal Navy both have mine countermeasure ships deployed as part of Mine Countermeasures Force Northern Europe (MCMFORNORTH).

Mine Countermeasures Force Northern Europe is a permanently established multinational naval squadron that normally consists of seven mine countermeasures vessels (including a dedicated command ship). The Force conducts an intensive and varied annual programme of operations throughout the waters of Europe from the North of Norway to the Mediterranean and from the Irish Sea to the Eastern Baltic Sea. Since 1998 MCMFORNORTH has also been operating in coastal waters of the United States, Canada and Iceland.

Since its inception the Squadron has demonstrated its capability to undertake its primary role as one of NATO's Mine Countermeasures Immediate Reaction Force. The multi-national force of Minehunters and Minesweepers that make up MCMFORNORTH is widely regarded as the best trained, best equipped mine countermeasures unit in the world. By the very nature of the job the ships and men -around 30 officers and 200 ratings- MCMFORNORTH is an immediate reaction force, always ready to carry out any mission.

A powerful element of the Danish Armed Forces is the Danish Reaction Brigade comprised of Danish units mainly drawn from Zealand. The Brigade is assigned to the NATO Allied Command Europe Rapid Reaction Corps but falls under the organisational control of 1 (United Kingdom) Armoured Division. The DRB headquarters formation regularly exercises with 1 (UK) Armoured Division.

Personnel Exchanges

In the interest of learning each others’ methods, military forces worldwide exchange personnel on a frequent basis; Denmark and the UK are no exception. The Royal Danish Air Force and the Royal Air Force have exchanged fast jet pilots and a Royal Navy pilot flies with the Royal Danish Navy helicopter squadron.