Denmark considers General Atomics for long-range drone supply to monitor Arctic and North Atlantic

Denmark is considering American company General Atomics for the supply of two long-range drones tasked with monitoring the Arctic and North Atlantic. The Danish Armed Forces is currently engaged in initial negotiations with the firm, which produces the MQ-9B SeaGuardian drone.

While no contracts have been finalized, this drone is the primary candidate being evaluated. According to General Atomics, the SeaGuardian is suited for maritime operations, including search and rescue, anti-submarine warfare, and sovereignty enforcement. Jan Dam, the head of the Danish Air Command, expressed excitement about the possibility of collaboration, noting the strong ties between Denmark and its key partners, including the U.S., the U.K., the Netherlands, and Norway.

The political consensus exists to base these two long-range drones at Aalborg Airbase, supported by 70 staff members, with six additional specialists in electronic warfare to be hired for operations at Karup Airbase. Defense Minister Troels Lund Poulsen stated that the operational management and maintenance of the drone capability would be centralized at Aalborg, leveraging existing experience in Arctic surveillance and air operations.

The specific implementation of these drones in Greenland remains uncertain, pending negotiations regarding the defense tasks in the region. Kangerlussuaq in western Greenland has been suggested as a potential operational hub.

If negotiations proceed positively, Denmark would join countries like the U.K., Canada, and the Netherlands in investing in General Atomics’ long-range drones. The MQ-9B SeaGuardian, over 11 meters long with a wingspan of 24 meters, has capabilities allowing it to remain airborne for over 30 hours and can be equipped with various sensors and weapons.

Initial budget estimates for the drones have increased from 750 million to 2.7 billion Danish kroner, reflecting heightened defense spending to meet NATO standards. The procurement process is currently commercially confidential, according to the Danish Defense Ministry.