Exercise DANEX 08 (Danish National Exercise) will take place in the Skagerrak and Kattegat in the period 03 - 16 September 2008. The exercise is divided into four phases.

• Phase I – Basic CET/FIT 03 SEP – 05 SEP.
• Phase II – Port Visit Aalborg 05 SEP – 08 SEP.
• Phase III – Advanced CET/FIT 08 – 16 SEP.
• Phase IV – TACEX 15 – 16 SEP.

Units from Denmark, Germany, Poland and United Kingdom will participate in the exercise. Participating units incl. amongst other AAW frigates, ASW frigates, MCM vessels, corvettes, patrol– and missile boats as well as submarines. Additionally, aircrafts from Denmark, Germany, United Kingdom and NATO will support the exercise.

The exercise will be conducted as a serialised programme with events of increasing complexity and is designed to facilitate training opportunities ranging from elementary war fighting to training elements derived from Maritime Security Operations (MSO) and Maritime Interdiction Operations (MIO).

Besides of providing an excellent training opportunity within the littoral environment, DANEX 08 is amongst other intended as preparation for DNK participation in Task Force 150 and international operations in general. Amongst other for this reason, DANEX 08 offers training within areas related to counter piracy, counter smuggling operations, counter terrorism operations etc. as such operations not are uncommon within TF area of operations.

Another main objective of exercise DANEX 08 is the formation and conceptual test and training of a Naval Special Operations Task Group (NAV SOTG). The SOTG, with staff and personnel at platoon level, will be formed by the Danish Frogman corps and supported by Special Support and Recognisance Coy from the Danish Home guard.

The SOTG will participate in DANEX 08 in accordance with a specially designed programme, although exercise activities for both naval units and Special Forces at times will merge in order to focus on interoperability and familiarisation issues.