The Danish Armed Forces has tested its large drones in the airspace above Hans Christian Andersen (HCA) Airport in Denmark.
The Intelligence Regiment’s tactical UAS unit conducted the exercise, flying JUMP20 VTOL drones that have a wingspan of six metres.
This is the first time the JUMP20 VTOL drones have been used in an exercise outside the Oksbøl Training Area, where the Danish Armed Forces normally trains its drone operators.
“We want to test the possibilities that HCA Airports’ airspace offers for this type of operation,” said First Lieutenant Roar from the Danish Armed Forces’ UAS Company.
HCA Airport provides extensive beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) airspace, access to both land and sea areas, and experience with complex drone operations. The airport’s airspace covers a total of 1,900 km².
The JUMP20 VTOL was procured in early 2025, and the first deliveries of this type of fixed-wing drone took place later in the year. The drones are capable of remaining airborne for more than 10 hours and have a range of over 100 kilometres. The drones function exclusively as sensor platforms and do not carry ammunition or explosives.
HCA Airport already has a strategic partnership with AeroVironment, the manufacturer of the JUMP20 VTOL, including support for AeroVironment’s training activities in the Nordic region.
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UAS Denmark International Test Centre
Image: UAS Denmark International Test Centre