In a move to bolster its aerial surveillance, Denmark has signed a contract to procure four MQ-9B SkyGuardian drones aimed at increasing monitoring capabilities across the Baltic region, as well as the Arctic and the North Atlantic waters. Deliveries of these remotely piloted aircraft are expected during the 2028–2029 timeframe. The deal includes not only the drones but also three ground control stations, necessary equipment, and comprehensive training for Danish operators, which will be conducted in the United States.
The acquisition is part of the MQ-9B International Cooperation Support Partnership, managed by NATO’s Support and Procurement Agency, which facilitates multinational cooperation among Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Germany, and the UK. The partnership’s main objectives are to streamline joint procurement efforts, share logistics and training resources, and foster interoperability between member countries. Such collaboration ensures that the costs remain affordable and the systems operate seamlessly across allied forces.
Although the official price Denmark will pay remains undisclosed, the budget reportedly earmarked for this purchase is about 370 million euros or 434 million dollars. The MQ-9B SkyGuardian is a highly capable platform, prized for its long endurance and advanced sensor technologies, allowing Denmark to conduct effective and persistent surveillance across vast and geopolitically sensitive maritime areas.
