HDMS Esbern Snare (L17) is an Absalon-class support ship and is, along with her sister ship, the HDMS Absalon, the largest combat vessel currently commissioned in the Royal Danish Navy. Esbern Snare is part of the first stage of a strategic realignment within the Royal Danish Navy, which is transitioning to focus on international operations, in which Absalon-class vessels will form the backbone. The ship is designed for command and support roles, with a large ro-ro deck, and is to be complemented by the Iver Huitfeldt-class frigates, a derivative of the Absalon-class designed specifically for combat operations.