In 1939, Denmark ordered two torpedo boats (originally to be named Aarhus and Aalborg[5]) for the Royal Danish Navy.

The new class were much larger and more capable than existing torpedo craft of the Danish Navy, where the most modern examples, the Dragen and Glenten classes, displaced 335 long tons (340 t) with a speed of 27.5 knots (51 km/h; 32 mph), compared with 890 long tons (900 t) and 35 knots (65 km/h; 40 mph) for the new ships.

[2][3] Construction was delayed by the German invasion of Denmark in 1940, with the ships not being laid down until 3 July 1942.

[2][a] They were launched in 1943, but when Germany dissolved the Danish government on 29 August 1943, it did not attempt to complete the half-built ships.

[3][5] They were powered by geared steam turbines, giving 16,000 kilowatts (21,000 shp) and driving two shafts.