AeroVironment subsidiary Arcturus UAV has been contracted to deliver JUMP 20 medium uncrewed aircraft systems for the Danish Armed Forces.
The agreement falls under a 10-year, $181 million framework contract, with deliveries starting in 2025.
The procurement intends to enhance the Danish Army’s intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance capabilities.
“I am very pleased to be able to sign this framework agreement on new joint drones for the Danish Armed Forces,” head of the Danish Defence Acquisition and Logistics Organisation Lieutenant General Per Pugholm Olsen said.
“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.”
JUMP 20 Unmanned Aerial System
The fixed-wing vertical take-off and landing system does not require a runway to operate from.
It has an endurance of over 13 hours, an operational range of 185 kilometers (115 miles), and a maximum altitude of 5,100 meters (16,732 feet).
The JUMP 20 is easy to store and transport and can launch and land without human intervention.
The system’s maximum takeoff weight is 97.5 kilograms (215 pounds) and it can carry a payload of up to 13.6 kilograms (30 pounds).
Its modular design allows the integration of emerging technologies, ensuring future relevance.
“JUMP 20 sets the standard for simplicity, modularity, and durability — critical attributes for reliable performance in the demanding Scandinavian terrain,” AeroVironment’s VP for Medium UAS Shane Hastings said.
“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.”
Part of Arctic Security Plan
Copenhagen earlier this year unveiled a $2-billion plan to bolster defense in the strategic Arctic region.
The announcement follows US President Donald Trump’s repeated remarks about taking over Greenland, an autonomous Danish territory.
In his first term, the president also suggested buying the territory, as he considered it “strategically interesting.”
Mineral-Rich Danish Territory
The world’s largest island, Greenland lies between Canada and Europe.
Rich in mineral resources, the territory has long attracted attention from world powers.
Moreover, melting ice due to global warming has opened hitherto inaccessible shipping lanes around the region.
Washington has long considered it under its sphere of influence. However, a self-government agreement in 2009 accorded more autonomy to the territory, except in foreign affairs and defense.
Amid rising geopolitical interest in the territory, the Danish Arctic Plan calls for beefing up defense through the acquisition of assets such as three new Arctic ships, long-range drones, enhanced intelligence and satellite surveillance, and land assets to improve situational awareness.
