On Monday, February 16, 2026, the press service of the Armed Forces of the Kingdom of Denmark (Forsvaret) announced the establishment of 729 Squadron (Eskadrille 729) of the Royal Danish Air Force (Flyvevåbnet) Air Transport Wing at Aalborg Air Base in North Jutland, which will operate four MQ-9B SkyGuardian MALE (Medium Altitude Long Endurance) unmanned aircraft.
Starting in 2028, the drones will be used to monitor Danish interests, including in the Arctic, the North Atlantic, and the Baltic Sea / Graphics and photo: Danish Ministry of Defence
The new squadron will carry out not only tasks in support of the armed forces, but the new unmanned aircraft may also be used to support environmental monitoring, search-and-rescue operations, and cooperation with Danish intelligence.
Part of building up the squadron will also include recruiting pilots, technicians, and other personnel. In total, around 100 positions will be needed.
“The Danish Armed Forces offer an attractive workplace in the squadron, where specialists will be able to find exciting jobs, working with advanced technologies in the service of the Kingdom in a strategically important area,” the press release said.
From left: Royal Danish Air Force Commander Maj. Gen. Jan Dam, newly appointed commander of 729 Squadron Maj. Mark Kragh Christiansen, and Air Transport Wing Commander Col. Lars Hedemark during the inauguration of the new squadron.
As a reminder, on July 22, 2025, it was reported that the Danish Ministry of Defence’s procurement agency FMI (Forsvarsministeriets Materiel- og Indkøbsstyrelse; also known by the English acronym DALO, Defence Acquisition and Logistics Organization), acting via the NATO Support and Procurement Organisation (NSPA), ordered four MQ-9B SkyGuardian unmanned aircraft from the U.S. company General Atomics Aeronautical Systems Inc. (GA-ASI), along with three ground control stations, a training package, sustainment support, and the necessary equipment.
The MQ-9Bs are set to play a key role in Denmark’s readiness in the Arctic region, the North Atlantic, and the Baltic Sea. Thanks to their long endurance and precise intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities, they will help provide real-time situational awareness, both in peacetime and in crisis management.
Deliveries are planned for 2028–2029. Initially, Danish military personnel will undergo training in the United States.
It is also worth noting that on January 8 this year, the U.S. State Department approved a potential sale of 100 AGM-114R2 Hellfire II anti-armor guided missiles as part of a package valued at up to 45 million USD. It cannot be ruled out that this is intended for the drones.
The MQ-9B SkyGuardian (previously known as the Certifiable Predator B) is a NATO-standard variant of the MQ-9A Reaper, unveiled in February 2016, featuring longer wings with winglets. This extended endurance from 27 to 40 hours at altitudes of up to 15,000 m. The platform is characterized by an upgraded mobile ground control station, and the airframe, built to STANAG 4671 standards, has been fitted with a de-icing system. Thanks to the use of composite materials, it is also resistant to lightning strikes. The maritime variant is designated SeaGuardian.
In addition to Denmark, MQ-9B platforms have so far been selected by the United States, the United Kingdom, Belgium, Poland, Canada, Germany, Japan (separately by the Coast Guard and the Air Self-Defense Force), India (also both variants), Taiwan, and Qatar, while Australia has abandoned the purchase. Saudi Arabia has declared an intent to acquire as many as 130 aircraft, and the topic of a sale to the United Arab Emirates has resurfaced recently. Norway is also considering a purchase.
MQ-9B SkyGuardian® / SeaGuardian® #RPAS provides unmatched reach and real-time intelligence across all domains. Following recent procurement of four #MQ9B SeaGuardian® aircraft, the Danish Air Force has established 729 Squadron to operate the unmanned systems. The new long-range… pic.twitter.com/vRz6gP6WkN
— General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc (GA-ASI) (@GenAtomics_ASI) March 3, 2026
