The Danish Government, or more specifically, the Minister of Higher Education and Science, Ulla Tornaes, and the Minister of Transport and Building, Hans Christian Schmidt, published a comprehensive National Drone Strategy to make Denmark a shining star on the drone sky.
One of the most significant elements is 9.6 million dollars partially funded by the state, partially by the Danish Universities. Another ambition is to create an international hub for test and development of drone technology at UAS Test Center Denmark located in Hans Christian Andersen Airport (HCA Airport). As part of the national strategy, University of Southern Denmark will fund a buildup of composite labs, integration labs and 3D radar systems at the test center in HCA Airport.
The national strategy comprises 6 main ambitions, which are to be carried out by 23 specific initiatives securing a safe and stable development, research and use of drones in Denmark as a pioneer nation in Europe.
The 6 ambitions are:
- Strengthening of the development and research of drone technology
- Establishment of Internationally attractive test facilities for drone technology
- Promotion of public sector use of drone
- The strengthening of educational activities for drone development and use of drones
- National participation in the international standardization process of drones
- Internationalization of Danish drone research and the UAS industry
Industry Network thrilled by new drone strategy
In the national industry network, UAS Denmark, they received the news of the drone strategy positively. They are particularly fond of the strategy’s primary focus on research and innovation, internationalization and the special focus on initiatives furthering the roll-out of drone usage within agriculture. As part of the national strategy, The Ministry of Environment & Food and Ministry of Transport & Building will examine how BVLOS can luck up the potential of drones within agriculture as a frontrunner of markets.
“Our recommendations ahead of the publication of the strategy has been to couple existing Danish strongholds such as agriculture for maximum progress. We are pleased to see that The Danish Government agrees with us on that” Michael Larsen, Head of UAS Denmark says.
The industry network comprises approximately 130 members spread across such areas as municipalities, operators, developers and universities. They also support the industry networks joy of the strategy.
Steven Friberg of Danish Aviation Systems – a medium sized company specializing in developing and selling components for UAS’ expresses his delight by the strategy, which in his opinion will act as leverage for the development of his business:
“The initiatives of tailor made offers for export promotion aimed at SME’s in combination with the innovation centers’ focus on identifying partners, projects and networks enables us to explore new business areas and markets” Friberg says.
The Innovation Fund Denmark as allocated more than 7 million dollars the last years to several drone projects, and The Danish Government recommends to allocate more funds to Innovation Fund Denmark as part of the National Drone Strategy.
International test hub gets millions
One of the most notable focus areas is the development of Hans Christian Andersen Airport as an international hub for the testing of drone technology through its existing test center – UAS Test Center Denmark
A task force has been established with the participation of The Danish Ministry of Transport and Building, the Danish Transport and Construction Agency and Hans Christian Andersen Airport. Their aim is to examine plans of expanding the existing UAS Test Center Denmark, which will comprise an entire drone port situated at the site of the present airport.
The Minister of Transport and Building Hans Christian Schmidt says: “The area of Drones are developing rapidly these years, and I’m thrilled by the fact that we saw the adoption of the first Danish law for the operation of unmanned aerial vehicles this spring” he says and goes on: “My clear objective is that Denmark continues to take the lead on drone development. That is also why the Danish government aims at making Hans Christian Andersen Airport an international Drone Port”.
University of Southern Denmark is a dedicated partner of the test center, and the university will invest millions in the development of the facility close nearby:
”Denmark’s commitment to drone research means the University of Southern Denmark will invest over 27 million DKK in research facilities at Hans Christian Andersen Airport to advance the drone industry in Denmark and Europe.” Says center leader Brad Beach, University of Southern Denmark
The Danish drone industry are already preparing for the heightened focus on Hans Christian Andersen Airport as an international hub for drone activities. One of them is the aerospace developer, Scandinavian Avionics, who relocated their drone activities to the airport last year.
Soren Petersen, manager of Drone Activities says: “With the national Drone Strategy, the government has cemented Hans Christian Andersen Airport’s position as the leading test facilities for drones in Denmark. It is of tremendous importance for our organization’s business development that we are able to attract a capable workforce”.
Besides working as manager of drone activities for Scandinavian Avionics, Soren Petersen occupies a seat in the advisory board of the National Industry Network, UAS Denmark.
Get access to the National Drone Strategy HERE (in Danish only)
Source: Press Release