Denmark has announced plans to purchase JUMP 20 vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) drones to enhance reconnaissance and surveillance operations in the Arctic and North Atlantic.
Due to growing geopolitical interest in Greenland, Denmark is developing a broader strategy to strengthen its military capabilities in the region.
According to an official procurement notice from the Danish Procurement and Logistics Organization (DALO), Denmark has signed a 10-year framework agreement with AeroVironment’s subsidiary Arcturus UAV and its Danish representative Glaucus ApS. The agreement allows for the initial purchase of drones, with the option to acquire more as needed.
"Today we are signing the first order for new drones, but with this agreement, we ensure that we can purchase additional drones if the need arises. We are also confident that the drones we purchase will be at the cutting edge of technological development," said Lieutenant General Per Puholm Olsen, Chairman of FMI.
The JUMP 20 is a tactical reconnaissance drone developed by AeroVironment.
Unlike traditional fixed-wing UAVs, it features vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) capabilities, allowing it to operate without runways, making it particularly useful in remote Arctic environments.
With a maximum takeoff weight of 97.5 kg, the drone can carry a 13.6 kg payload, stay airborne for over 14 hours, and cover a range of up to 185 km while reaching altitudes above 5,100 meters.
The U.S. Army recently selected the JUMP 20 to replace its RQ-7B Shadow UAV system, awarding an $8 million contract for a system that includes six aircraft, ground data terminals, and control stations.
Denmark's Expanding Arctic Defense Strategy
The drone purchase is part of Denmark’s $2 billion investment plan to strengthen military presence in the Arctic and North Atlantic. This includes:
Three new Arctic ships
Additional long-range drones
Enhanced intelligence and satellite surveillance
Ground-based assets to improve situational awareness
In December 2024, the Danish Ministry of Defense also announced plans to increase defense spending in Greenland, a move linked to U.S. concerns over Arctic security.
U.S. President Donald Trump has described Greenland as a strategic necessity for American defense.
