The joint German-Danish test supports preparations for Denmark’s future MQ-9B operations, with aircraft deliveries expected to begin in 2028.
The Bundeswehr has flown a German Heron TP (GHTP) uncrewed aircraft through Danish airspace for the first time, Germany’s delegation to NATO announced on September 30.
The Danish Armed Forces had scheduled the joint test for September 29, describing it as the first test flight in Danish airspace involving an uncrewed military aircraft of this size. The activity forms part of preparations for Denmark’s acquisition and operation of MQ-9B aircraft.
The announced flight plan called for the aircraft to cross the German-Danish border, fly north over eastern Jutland towards Aalborg and return via western Jutland. Approximately two hours in Danish airspace were planned.
Under the arrangements outlined by the Danish Armed Forces, a pilot at Schleswig Air Base in Germany would control the aircraft from a ground station and communicate with Danish air traffic control provider Naviair via satellite.
Denmark’s aviation regulator approved the safety procedures for the flight at an altitude of 7,000 metres in airspace shared with crewed aircraft. The assessment covered safe navigation alongside other aircraft, including procedures for a potential loss of control or communications.
Denmark’s MQ-9B aircraft are expected to operate from Aalborg Air Base with Squadron 729. Their planned missions include surveillance in the Arctic and North Atlantic, with deliveries scheduled to begin in 2028.
📌@GermanyNATO announced that a German Heron TP flew through Danish airspace for the first time.
📌The joint test supports Denmark’s preparations for MQ-9B operations, with aircraft deliveries expected from 2028.
🔗https://t.co/eyWJQZUnO8 pic.twitter.com/H2c4A9yt8g
— Defensehere (@defensehere_en) October 1, 2026