Denmark, supported by the NATO Support and Procurement Agency (NSPA), has acquired four MQ-9B SkyGuardian® Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA) from General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI), with the purchase also including three Certified Ground Control Stations.
GA-ASI’s unmanned MQ-9B SkyGuardian offers multi-domain Intelligence, Surveillance, Reconnaissance, and Targeting (ISR&T) for fleet operations, with advanced systems designed for both ocean surface and subsurface monitoring. The MQ-9B can also be equipped with additional payloads, such as a 360-degree maritime radar and sonobuoy dispensers.
Denmark selected the MQ-9B for its multi-domain capabilities with long range and endurance. The platform delivers pole-to-pole satellite control and de-icing capacity enabling missions in the harsh Arctic conditions.
MQ-9B’s in-house-developed Detect and Avoid System supports the technology’s ability to fly in unsegregated airspace for domestic civilian operations, making it highly versatile for operations.
GA-ASI claim MQ-9B is the first large remotely piloted aircraft to receive a Military Type Certificate (MTC) from the UK’s Military Aviation Authority, certifying its safe operation without geographic restrictions, such as over populous areas.
David R. Alexander, GA-ASI President, stated, “It’s been a very productive year for our MQ-9B platforms. First, we earned MTC and now we’ve added Denmark to the U.K., Belgium, and Poland as MQ-9B customers in Europe. I believe the extensive waters of the North Sea, Norwegian Sea, and Baltic Sea of the Nordic countries make the MQ-9B a very effective tool for national maritime surveillance and security.”
NSPA helped this sale, developing a contractual framework to strengthen cooperation amongst member nations and promote MQ-9B’s proliferation in Europe. The agency has added the system to its defense portfolio to boost interoperability, training and joint operations in Europe.
Stacy A. Cummings, NSPA General Manager, added, “This procurement demonstrates how NSPA enables efficient, effective and responsive multinational acquisitions for advanced, interoperable capabilities. We are proud to support Denmark in this strategic investment for national maritime surveillance and security.”
