AV and UAS Denmark Form Strategic Partnership to Strengthen Allied UAS Capabilities Across Europe
AeroVironment, Inc. , a global leader in intelligent, multi-domain robotic systems, has taken a significant step toward strengthening its European presence and enhancing allied unmanned aircraft system (UAS) capabilities. The company has announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Hans Christian Andersen Airport, home to the UAS Denmark Test Center, to establish a strategic partnership focused on joint utilization of airspace, testing infrastructure, and collaborative development.
The MOU marks the beginning of a mutually beneficial collaboration intended to support AeroVironment’s expanding activities across Europe. Under this agreement, both parties will explore coordinated use of the UAS Denmark Test Center’s advanced facilities and expansive segregated airspace to conduct demonstration flights, mission training exercises, and system integration activities with government and defense stakeholders.
“This MOU represents a significant milestone in expanding AV’s operational footprint in Europe,” said Shane Hastings, Vice President and General Manager of Medium UAS at AeroVironment. “Our partnership with UAS Denmark positions us to deliver enhanced capabilities, mission-critical training, and integrated UAS solutions to allied defense forces and government stakeholders across the region.”
A Strategic Location with World-Class Infrastructure
Located in Odense, Denmark, the UAS Denmark Test Center offers a unique combination of airspace, research collaboration, and regulatory support that makes it one of Europe’s most attractive destinations for advanced UAS testing and innovation. With a dedicated airspace spanning 1,900 square kilometers over land and sea, as well as access to controlled air traffic zones, the facility enables both short-range and long-range UAS operations in a secure and scalable environment.
The center also benefits from close ties with the University of Southern Denmark (SDU) and the Danish Technological Institute, facilitating a steady pipeline of research, engineering talent, and innovation-driven partnerships. AV’s engagement with UAS Denmark leverages this ecosystem to develop and refine next-generation uncrewed platforms and applications suited for real-world mission demands.
“UAS Denmark Test Center is a one-of-a-kind facility that is purpose-built for advanced drone testing and development,” said Michael Larsen, Director of UAS Denmark Test Center. “Our new strategic partnership with AeroVironment underscores our commitment to supporting NATO-aligned defense needs, while also promoting innovation, R&D, and integration activities in a fast-evolving security landscape.”
Building on Danish Defense Cooperation
This newly signed MOU builds upon AeroVironment’s growing relationship with Danish defense institutions. In February 2025, AV signed a Framework Agreement with the Danish Ministry of Defence Acquisition and Logistics Organization (DALO). That agreement included the supply of cutting-edge uncrewed aerial systems, comprehensive operator and maintainer training programs, and lifecycle support services aimed at bolstering the Danish Armed Forces’ intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities.
The collaboration with UAS Denmark is seen as a natural progression of that effort, providing AV with a local testing and training hub from which it can serve not only Denmark but also the broader NATO and European defense ecosystem.
“Through this partnership, we’re not only deepening our commitment to the Danish Armed Forces but also creating an operational springboard for supporting allied forces throughout Europe,” Hastings added. “As the threat landscape continues to evolve, scalable, reliable, and rapidly deployable UAS solutions are critical to maintaining tactical superiority.”
Enabling Joint Development and Technological Advancement
A key focus of the partnership will be the joint development and testing of advanced UAS technologies, including sensor integration, communications systems, autonomous flight operations, and data interoperability. The UAS Denmark Test Center offers the technological flexibility and regulatory framework required to experiment with emerging capabilities in realistic settings—something AeroVironment values as it continues to iterate on its platform designs.
In addition to hardware testing, the center will serve as a venue for mission simulation, training, and doctrine validation, enabling AeroVironment to work closely with European defense forces on the customization and deployment of operationally relevant solutions.
The collaboration also opens the door to potential research and development (R&D) projects funded through national and European Union defense innovation programs, including those facilitated by the European Defence Fund (EDF) and NATO’s Defence Innovation Accelerator for the North Atlantic (DIANA).
“The future of aerial defense and intelligence gathering will be shaped through partnerships that combine cutting-edge industry solutions with robust testing and operational support,” said Larsen. “With AV’s proven track record and our capabilities as a test center, this partnership has the potential to accelerate innovation and deliver measurable value to allied forces.”
Supporting Readiness in a Dynamic Security Environment
As geopolitical tensions persist and the demand for uncrewed systems grows across military and border security sectors, the ability to quickly adapt and scale UAS platforms has become a strategic imperative. AeroVironment’s presence in Denmark is expected to enhance its ability to deliver flexible, mission-ready systems to allies throughout Europe, reinforcing the continent’s broader security architecture.
Through this collaboration, AV intends to establish Denmark as a critical node in its global support network, ensuring that European customers receive localized support, training, and integration services—thereby reducing deployment times and increasing overall mission effectiveness.
AV’s combat-proven portfolio, which includes the Puma™ 3 AE, Raven®, Jump® 20, and Arcturus series UAS, has seen widespread adoption by U.S. and allied forces. These platforms are designed for tactical ISR missions, target acquisition, and force protection, and are known for their high reliability and adaptability in both conventional and asymmetric conflict environments.
The MOU between AeroVironment and UAS Denmark marks a significant step toward deeper transatlantic collaboration in the unmanned systems domain. As the partnership evolves, both parties anticipate working together to shape the future of European UAS capabilities through testing, training, research, and direct support of operational units.
For AV, the agreement is more than a logistical foothold—it represents a strategic alignment with one of Europe’s most dynamic drone innovation hubs. For UAS Denmark, it is an opportunity to host and help shape the development of some of the world’s most advanced UAS technologies.
Together, AeroVironment and UAS Denmark are poised to drive forward a new era of capability, readiness, and cooperation—ensuring that allied defense forces remain at the cutting edge of uncrewed aerial operations in an increasingly complex global security landscape.