AeroVironment subsidiary Arcturus UAV has secured a substantial contract to provide the Danish Armed Forces with its JUMP 20 medium uncrewed aircraft systems. The agreement, which falls under a ten-year framework contract valued at $181 million, is set to commence deliveries in 2025. This acquisition aims to significantly enhance the Danish Army’s capacity for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) operations.
Lieutenant General Per Pugholm Olsen, head of the Danish Defence Acquisition and Logistics Organisation, expressed satisfaction with the framework agreement, highlighting its potential to strengthen the Danish Armed Forces. “Today we are signing the first order for new drones, but with this agreement, we have ensured that we can acquire additional drones if the need arises – just as we are assured that the drones we acquire, also in the future, are at the forefront of technological development,” he stated.
This move is part of a broader Arctic Security Plan recently unveiled by Copenhagen, intended to bolster defense capabilities in the strategically important Arctic region. The announcement follows heightened geopolitical interest in Greenland, an autonomous territory of Denmark, which has been the subject of discussions from prominent figures, including former US President Donald Trump, concerning its strategic significance.
Greenland, recognized as the world’s largest island, is located between Canada and Europe, endowed with rich mineral resources that have attracted global powers for decades. Additionally, the effects of global warming are opening new shipping lanes around the region, further amplifying its geopolitical relevance. While the United States has historically viewed Greenland as falling within its sphere of influence, a self-government agreement in 2009 provided the territory with increased autonomy, specifically regarding foreign affairs and defense matters.
In response to the rising interest in the Arctic, the Danish Arctic Plan entails significant upgrades to defense infrastructure, including the purchase of three new Arctic ships, long-range drones, improved intelligence and satellite surveillance systems, as well as land assets aimed at enhancing situational awareness.
The JUMP 20 unmanned aerial system (UAS) boasts a fixed-wing design with vertical take-off and landing capabilities, negating the need for a conventional runway for operations. The system has an impressive endurance exceeding 13 hours, a maximum operational range of 185 kilometers (115 miles), and can ascend to altitudes reaching 5,100 meters (16,732 feet). Its maximum takeoff weight is 97.5 kilograms (215 pounds), allowing it to carry payloads up to 13.6 kilograms (30 pounds).
Notably, the JUMP 20’s design facilitates easy transport and storage and allows for autonomous launches and landings, which enhance operational efficiency. The system’s modular architecture supports the integration of emerging technologies to guarantee its future relevance in evolving military landscapes. Shane Hastings, AeroVironment’s vice president and general manager for Medium UAS, underscored the JUMP 20’s significance: “JUMP 20 sets the standard for simplicity, modularity, and durability — critical attributes for reliable performance in the demanding Scandinavian terrain. With a combat-proven track record and over 300,000 operational flight hours, JUMP 20 stands as a best-in-class UAS, equipping the Danish Armed Forces with unmatched multi-mission capabilities to operate effectively in complex and austere environments.”
As Denmark strengthens its military through technological advancements and strategic acquisitions, the JUMP 20 contract positions the country’s armed forces for enhanced operational effectiveness in a changing geopolitical landscape.
