Denmark, in collaboration with the Nato Assist and Procurement Company (NSPA), has confirmed the acquisition of 4 MQ-9B SkyGuardian Remotely Piloted Plane (RPA) from Basic Atomics Aeronautical Programs, Inc (GA-ASI).
The deal additionally encompasses three licensed floor management stations.
This transfer goals to bolster surveillance capabilities over the Baltic Sea, in addition to the Arctic and North Atlantic areas.
Denmark Defence Minister Troels Lund Poulsen stated: “The safety state of affairs is continually evolving, and it’s subsequently vital that Europe can and needs to do extra itself. This can be a essential step in that course.
“With the acquisition of 4 long-range drones, which can, amongst different issues, enhance surveillance of the Arctic and the North Atlantic, we’re strengthening each Danish and European safety. On the identical time, there’s a give attention to strengthening our contribution to Nato.”
The supply of those plane is scheduled for the interval between 2028 and 2029.
Danish personnel are set to obtain coaching within the US previous to deploying this new functionality inside Denmark.
The Danish Ministry of Defence Acquisition and Logistics Organisation (DALO) introduced this procurement on 22 July 2025, noting that it encompasses coaching, upkeep, and related tools.
Nevertheless, monetary particulars of the transaction stay undisclosed.
The deal stems from the Arctic Functionality Package deal Settlement from 2021, which initially set out the acquisition of two drones.
Following the latest defence settlement protecting 2024 to 2033, Denmark determined to double its order.
The MoD’s Materiel and Procurement Company (FMI) air navy division head colonel Klaus Qvist stated: “The drones give us a totally new capability to watch, reply and share data with our Nato companions.”
The NSPA facilitated this sale by making a contractual framework that encourages cooperation amongst its member nations and helps the distribution of MQ-9B methods throughout Europe.
The MQ-9B SkyGuardian gives multi-domain intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance, and concentrating on (ISR&T) capabilities.
This know-how allows maritime monitoring for fleet operations, each on the floor and beneath the ocean. It may be outfitted with a maritime surveillance suite that features a 360-degree radar and choices for sonobuoy meting out pods.
The RPA options pole-to-pole satellite tv for pc management and de-icing methods, which assist execute missions within the Arctic’s atmosphere.
The platform’s internally developed detect and keep away from system allows the RPA to function safely in non-segregated airspace, together with over civilian areas inside Denmark, stated GA-ASI.
The MQ-9B just lately acquired a Navy Kind Certificates (MTC) from the UK’s Navy Aviation Authority.
in June 2025, GA-ASI introduced that the UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) signed a contract to maintain its new fleet of MQ-9B RPA methods.
