Military drones for the Arctic: Denmark procures four MQ-9B Sky Guardian from General Atomics

Denmark is procuring four MQ-9B Sky Guardian long-range drones from US manufacturer General Atomics Aeronautical Systems – modern military drones obtained through the NATO procurement organisation NSPA. The contracting authority is the Danish Ministry of Defence’s materiel and procurement agency (FMI), and the basis is the Arctic Capability Package Agreement of 2021.

Colonel Klaus Qvist, head of FMI’s air force division, said: “This is a turning point for Danish defence. The drones open up completely new possibilities for surveillance, response and information sharing with our NATO partners.”

Military drones as a new capability for Denmark’s armed forces

Qvist continued: “They represent a completely new capability for the armed forces – and introducing this technology is a complex task. Through cooperation with other NATO states, including via the NSPA, we gain access to experience, standards and solutions that equip us far better for a successful implementation and spare us from starting from scratch.”

In the Arctic, the North Atlantic and the Baltic Sea, the drones are to play a central role in Denmark’s operational readiness. With their long endurance and precise surveillance capabilities, they contribute to a real-time situational picture, in peacetime as well as in crisis management. Their use is not limited to military tasks, however: the systems can also be used for environmental monitoring, search and rescue, and to support the Danish intelligence services.

Before they enter service, a comprehensive certification process for national and international airspace is required, as long-range drones must operate in the same airspace as manned aircraft. Delivery of the systems is planned for 2028 and 2029.

The MQ-9B Sky Guardian at a glance

General Atomics’ MQ-9B Sky Guardian is a medium altitude, long endurance (MALE) unmanned aircraft system. The prototype made its first flight on 20 March 2020. With a length of 11.7 metres, it has a wingspan of 24 metres. It is powered by a turboprop engine with around 67 kW (900 hp) shaft power. Maximum take-off weight is 5,670 kilograms, and fuel capacity is 2,721 kilograms.

At around 270 km/h, the drone can fly for up to 40 hours at altitudes above 12,200 metres; communication is via satellite, among other means. Nine external hardpoints carry guided air-to-ground weapons and equipment with a total weight of up to 2,155 kilograms. Its sensors include electro-optical, infrared and radar systems.

A model for the Bundesheer?

According to the current national defence report, the Austrian Armed Forces (Bundesheer) also intend to procure a squadron of long-range MALE-class unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV), with which the air force is to conduct wide-area reconnaissance. Initial operational capability is planned by 2032 at the latest.