AV and UAS Denmark Partner to Enhance Allied UAS Operations Across Europe
AeroVironment, Inc. , a global leader in intelligent, multi-domain robotic systems, announced today the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Hans Christian Andersen Airport, the host of the UAS Denmark Test Center. This strategic agreement will pave the way for collaborative utilization of the test center’s expansive airspace, advanced infrastructure, and world-class testing facilities to support a wide range of AV’s uncrewed aircraft system (UAS) activities in Europe.
Under the terms of the MOU, AV and UAS Denmark will work jointly to advance the integration and operational readiness of AV’s UAS platforms across NATO-aligned regions. This collaboration is expected to include joint research and development (R&D) initiatives, mission training programs, customer integration activities, and demonstration operations—all of which are critical for addressing the evolving defense and security needs of allied European nations.
Located in Odense, the UAS Denmark Test Center is one of Europe’s leading hubs for unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) innovation and testing. With over 1,900 square kilometers of segregated airspace over land and sea, as well as access to cutting-edge laboratories and aviation support infrastructure, the test center offers an optimal environment for the evaluation and deployment of next-generation UAS platforms. AV’s partnership with the facility reinforces its long-term strategic commitment to operational excellence, innovation, and global defense collaboration.
Enhancing Regional Defense Readiness Through Scalable UAS Solutions
“This MOU represents a significant milestone in expanding AV’s operational footprint in Europe,” said Shane Hastings, AeroVironment’s Vice President and General Manager of Medium UAS. “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. This collaboration strengthens our ability to meet the growing demand for reliable, high-performance UAS platforms that can adapt to the dynamic nature of modern warfare and security operations.”
The strategic significance of this agreement lies in the growing importance of UAS technology for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) missions, as well as for logistics support, border patrol, search and rescue, and emergency response operations. AV’s expanding UAS portfolio, including its combat-proven Puma™, Raven®, and Jump® series platforms, provides allied nations with scalable options that meet a wide variety of mission requirements—from short-range tactical reconnaissance to long-endurance surveillance missions.
By establishing a stronger presence in Europe through the UAS Denmark Test Center, AV aims to increase the responsiveness and adaptability of its support operations. This includes providing hands-on mission training for operators and maintainers, offering rapid deployment capabilities for testing new systems, and creating localized centers of excellence for continuous innovation and technical support.
Building on a Strong Foundation with Denmark’s Ministry of Defence
This latest partnership builds on the foundation laid earlier in 2025 when AeroVironment entered into a Framework Agreement with the Danish Ministry of Defence Acquisition and Logistics Organization (DALO). That agreement includes the delivery of advanced UAS platforms, operator and maintainer training, and comprehensive lifecycle support designed to enhance the Danish Armed Forces’ ISR capabilities. The MOU with UAS Denmark represents a logical and strategic extension of this work, enabling AV to more effectively support Denmark’s national security objectives and to contribute to the broader NATO mission.
Through the February agreement, AV committed to equipping Danish defense forces with robust UAS platforms capable of performing in both peacetime operations and crisis scenarios. With the addition of local testing and training capabilities at the UAS Denmark Test Center, AV can now offer a more comprehensive support ecosystem—including simulation-based instruction, real-time scenario-based training, and live-flight demonstrations tailored to customer needs.
“Denmark is rapidly establishing itself as a key innovation hub for unmanned systems in Europe,” said Hastings. “Through our partnership with the UAS Denmark Test Center, we’re not only investing in Danish defense capabilities, but we’re also creating a broader platform for interoperability and regional cooperation. This is a win-win for the industry and for the national defense priorities of our allies.”
Accelerating UAS Innovation in a Collaborative Environment
The partnership is also expected to catalyze new research and development initiatives. With a shared vision for technological advancement, AV and UAS Denmark plan to jointly explore innovative capabilities in areas such as autonomous flight, AI-enhanced mission planning, edge computing, swarming technologies, and real-time data fusion. By leveraging the test center’s research capabilities and AV’s engineering excellence, the collaboration aims to push the boundaries of what’s possible in uncrewed systems design and deployment.
The UAS Denmark Test Center provides a low-risk, high-capability environment for testing experimental platforms and concepts under operationally relevant conditions. From harsh weather to coastal terrain and varied airspace conditions, the center allows for full-spectrum testing in scenarios that mirror real-world deployment challenges. This is particularly valuable for allied forces seeking to validate UAS performance prior to deployment or to refine Tactics, Techniques, and Procedures (TTPs) under NATO-aligned standards.
“The signing of this MOU is a vote of confidence in the capabilities of our test center,” said a spokesperson for the UAS Denmark Test Center. “We are excited to welcome AeroVironment and work closely together to support their European initiatives. This partnership highlights the critical role our center plays not only in testing and evaluation but also in fostering global collaboration and defense innovation.”
A Growing Global Footprint for AeroVironment
AeroVironment’s latest agreement in Denmark is part of a broader global strategy to expand its presence and partnerships in key strategic regions. As geopolitical threats evolve and the demand for uncrewed systems continues to grow, AV is positioning itself as a trusted provider of mission-critical technologies that empower allied forces to maintain an operational edge.
From NATO member states to Indo-Pacific partners, AV has built a robust international network focused on defense readiness, technological collaboration, and field-proven reliability. The company’s platforms are currently used by more than 55 allied nations and supported by an extensive global supply chain and customer support infrastructure.
By anchoring its European operations more firmly in Denmark, AV is demonstrating its commitment to long-term collaboration, local engagement, and the joint development of cutting-edge defense solutions that meet the strategic and tactical demands of the 21st century battlefield.