Denmark Acquires MQ-9B Drones for Arctic and Sea Patrols
Denmark has confirmed the acquisition of four MQ-9B SkyGuardian Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA) from General Atomics Aeronautical Systems (GA-ASI), strengthening its surveillance and defense capabilities in the Nordic region and Arctic. The deal, announced on July 23, 2025, includes three Certified Ground Control Stations and was facilitated through the NATO Support and Procurement Agency (NSPA), which supports cross-border defense cooperation among alliance members.
The MQ-9B SkyGuardian, developed by GA-ASI, is a next-generation unmanned aerial platform capable of advanced multi-domain Intelligence, Surveillance, Reconnaissance, and Targeting (ISR&T) missions. It is the first unmanned system equipped with both surface and subsurface oceanic surveillance tools as part of its internal payload. The aircraft is also optimized for Arctic operations, featuring de-icing capabilities and pole-to-pole satellite control, making it suitable for Denmark’s expanding strategic interests in the North Sea, Norwegian Sea, Baltic Sea, and Arctic waters.
GA-ASI President David R. Alexander praised the addition of Denmark to a growing list of European MQ-9B operators, which already includes the UK, Belgium, and Poland. “I believe the extensive waters of the North Sea, Norwegian Sea, and Baltic Sea of the Nordic countries make the MQ-9B a very effective tool for national maritime surveillance and security,” he said. He added that 2025 has been a landmark year for the MQ-9B program, highlighted by its recent receipt of a Military Type Certificate (MTC) from the UK’s Military Aviation Authority. This certification allows the MQ-9B to operate without geographic restrictions, including over populated areas, a major milestone for unmanned systems.
The NSPA’s involvement has been instrumental in streamlining the procurement and integration process for European nations. By including the MQ-9B in its defense systems portfolio, NSPA has enabled member nations to jointly procure and support these platforms, facilitating interoperability, shared training, and coordinated operations across the region. The acquisition further underscores NATO’s strategic push to modernize and harmonize defense capabilities among its northern European allies.
Denmark’s decision to invest in the MQ-9B comes as the country increases its defense focus on the Arctic and surrounding maritime regions, areas experiencing increased geopolitical activity and environmental challenges. The ability to monitor wide expanses of ocean and ice, coupled with the MQ-9B’s capability to operate in unsegregated civilian airspace, also adds value for dual-use roles such as search and rescue, environmental monitoring, and infrastructure protection.
The MQ-9B SkyGuardian is rapidly becoming the preferred large drone platform for NATO allies seeking high-endurance, all-weather surveillance capability in contested and extreme environments. With this purchase, Denmark joins a growing group of European countries leveraging unmanned systems to enhance national security and regional defense cooperation.
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