A new 729 Squadron has been established by the Royal Danish Air Force to enhance Arctic and Greenland surveillance operations, equipped with four MQ-9B SeaGuardian remotely piloted aircraft.
The drones were acquired in July 2025 through NATO’s procurement framework, with deliveries slated for 2028. Operating from Aalborg Air Base as part of the Air Transport Wing, the squadron will include slightly more than 100 personnel. Initial crews will undergo US-based training before operations begin.
Historical Background
An earlier version of 729 Squadron served from 1955 to 1993 as a reconnaissance unit and played a role in intelligence activities during the Cuban Missile Crisis.
The reactivated squadron will handle intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance, environmental monitoring, and search-and-rescue missions.
MQ-9B SeaGuardian Features
The SeaGuardian, a maritime derivative of the SkyGuardian system, employs a flexible “bolt-on/bolt-off” design that allows rapid installation of mission equipment.
It can be configured with maritime radar, AIS, electronic support measures, and an anti-submarine warfare kit. Designed for satellite-guided, beyond-line-of-sight operations, the aircraft can remain airborne for more than 30 hours, operate in challenging weather, and safely integrate into civilian airspace.
The unmanned aircraft is 12 meters long, spans 24 meters across its wings, and can reach altitudes of up to 15,000 meters.
