The Royal Danish Air Force has formed a new squadron to strengthen surveillance coverage over the Arctic and Greenland, equipping the unit with four MQ-9B SeaGuardian unmanned aircraft.
Denmark ordered the four systems in July 2025 via the NATO Support and Procurement Agency, with deliveries scheduled for 2028. Designated 729 Squadron, the unit will fall under the Air Transport Wing and operate from Aalborg Air Base. Reports indicate it will comprise just over 100 personnel, with initial crews selected this year before heading to the United States for training.
Historic Return
The squadron previously operated between 1955 and 1993 as a photo-reconnaissance unit, supporting missions such as intelligence gathering during the Cuban Missile Crisis.
In addition to intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance tasks, the reestablished squadron will also contribute to environmental monitoring and search-and-rescue operations.
About the MQ-9B SeaGuardian
The SeaGuardian is the maritime version of the SkyGuardian remotely piloted aircraft system, featuring a modular “bolt-on/bolt-off” design that enables rapid sensor integration.
It can be fitted with wide-area maritime radar, an automatic identification system, electronic support measures, and an anti-submarine warfare kit. Controlled via satellite for beyond-line-of-sight missions, the aircraft can stay airborne for more than 30 hours, operate in all weather, and fly safely in civilian airspace.
The drone measures 12 meters in length, has a 24-meter wingspan, and can reach altitudes of up to 15,000 meters.
