Unmanned systems off Nuuk: Denmark and Canada test underwater drones in Arctic waters

The Danish Navy has tested underwater drones together with Canada off Greenland – in waters that are cold and deep. With these unmanned systems, it aims to expand its capabilities in seabed surveillance and in securing critical infrastructure.

The tests took place off Nuuk, which is significantly different from an operation in Danish waters: temperatures and conditions are different in the Arctic. The main priority was therefore to test the systems under extreme conditions that reflect reality.

“We want to challenge ourselves and the drones in Greenland, where both the systems and we ourselves leave our comfort zone. Now we are testing what we can achieve with the drones in the cold, deep waters of Greenland”— Jan Stripp, head of the Subsurface & Seabed Warfare department of the Danish Navy

Unmanned systems compared during “Arctic Endurance”

The trial is part of the increased activities of “Arctic Endurance”, with Arctic Command as the partner. A further aim: comparing different types of drones with one another.

“We need to get better at using the drones – but also at recognising their limits under different conditions. We have different types and need to find out which are best suited to the cold and clear waters around Greenland”— Jan Stripp

The cooperation with Canada plays a key role. Divers and drone operators have been training together for years.

“We benefit greatly from this cooperation because our setup is mobile. We have to be able to operate from different platforms such as ships, and we therefore train under realistic conditions”— Jan Stripp

“The Canadians also use different drones and procedures – we can learn a lot from each other.”— Jan Stripp

The Canadian side also highlights the added value – Lieutenant-Commander Greg Richards for the Canadian Navy.

“The opportunity to observe these tests gives the Royal Canadian Navy insights into the performance of allied technologies in Arctic waters. By combining our expertise with that of the Danish Navy, we are strengthening our joint ability to monitor the seabed and to protect critical infrastructure in northern regions”— Lieutenant-Commander Greg Richards

“At the same time, the cooperation improves our interoperability and our understanding of the particular challenges of the Arctic area of operations.”— Lieutenant-Commander Greg Richards

Besides the technology, the focus is on building a comprehensive underwater situational picture. For the entire Kingdom, protecting critical infrastructure is one of the central tasks of security policy.