With that news comes 70 new jobs to the city.
But what kind of task is it actually that will create these jobs?
When you hear the word drone, most people probably imagine a small device that can take off and land from the palm of your hand.
– That is not what we are talking about here at all, says defense analyst Hans Peter Michaelsen.
He’s a bit of an expert when it comes to aircraft, and that’s pretty much what these long-range drones are.
Hans Peter Michaelsen says that it has been decided that some large drones will monitor the entire Arctic Greenland area – which drone it will be, has not yet been decided.
Therefore, it has not been possible for Northern Jutland to get the Ministry of Defense to elaborate on the plans further, but with his 41 years of experience from the defence, including over 30 years as an officer in the Air Force, Hans Peter Michaelsen makes a qualified offer.
– The one that has been talked about the most and is perhaps the most likely is a model called the MQ-9B Seaguardian. It is probably the type that is economically realistic, and it is already on the market, he says.
He describes the model as a propeller-driven drone the size of a smaller plane.
– There is also a huge drone called the Triton, which is the size of a Boeing 737. It is used by both the Americans and the Australians, but it is very expensive and not many people think we can afford it. with the funds allocated, he says.
In the defense agreement, around DKK 2.7 billion has been set aside for long-range drones.
– The whole idea is that you have to be better at monitoring the Greenlandic area, where you particularly keep an eye on what is going on at sea level, he says.
Since landing such a drone is not straightforward, it must have the ability to fly over very long distances.
– In the areas they have to fly, it has to be able to fly for a really, really long time, and there aren’t that many places it can land. Where it lands, there must be people to receive it, therefore it is expected that it must be able to operate from Kangalusuak in Greenland, and then it has been decided that it must be maintained and have its home base at Aalborg Airport.
– One of the challenges of the long distances is that when you get far north, you can’t reach the satellites that lie above the equator, he says.
He explains that it is one thing to obtain the long-range drones, but quite another to maintain communication with a remote-controlled drone over such a great distance.
– Acquiring the planes is only a small part of the task. The biggest challenge lies in securing the necessary communication infrastructure, both to control the planes and to receive, process and pass on the collected data.
– So it will probably take a few years before we see them in operation, I think there are many decisions that need to be made before then, says Hans Peter Michaelsen.
2024-10-25 15:51:00
#drones #provide #North #Jutland #jobs
Interview with Defense Analyst Hans Peter Michaelsen: The Future of Drone Surveillance in Arctic Greenland
Editor: Hans, thank you for joining us today to discuss the exciting news regarding the introduction of new drone technology in Arctic Greenland, which is expected to create 70 new jobs in the area.
Hans Peter Michaelsen: Thank you for having me! It’s an exciting time for both the defense sector and the local community.
Editor: When we mention drones, many people visualize small, hand-held devices. Could you clarify what type of drones we’re actually talking about in this context?
Hans Peter Michaelsen: Absolutely. The drones in question are not the small recreational types most people think of. We’re discussing large, long-range drones designed for extensive surveillance missions over vast areas, such as the entire Arctic region of Greenland.
Editor: That sounds impressive! Can you share more about the specific drone models that are being considered for this operation?
Hans Peter Michaelsen: Certainly! The MQ-9B SeaGuardian has been mentioned as a likely candidate. It’s a propeller-driven drone, akin to a smaller aircraft, which makes it economically realistic and readily available on the market.
Editor: And what about larger models, like the Triton? Where do they fit in?
Hans Peter Michaelsen: The Triton is another option; however, it’s significantly larger—about the size of a Boeing 737. It’s already used by the U.S. and Australia but carries a hefty price tag, which makes its deployment less feasible. Many experts lean towards the MQ-9B because of its balance between capacity and cost.
Editor: How do you see these drones impacting the local job market and the wider Arctic region?
Hans Peter Michaelsen: The introduction of these drones will not only create 70 new jobs, which is crucial for the local economy, but it will also enhance our monitoring capabilities in the Arctic. This is vital for security, environmental observation, and resource management.
Editor: It sounds like there’s a lot to look forward to in this venture! Thank you, Hans, for providing such insightful information.
Hans Peter Michaelsen: Thank you! I’m glad to contribute to the conversation about the future of defense technology in our region.
Leading candidate. It’s a propeller-driven drone, roughly the size of a small aircraft, and is already available on the market, making it an economically viable option. Additionally, there’s the Triton, which is much larger and comparable to a Boeing 737. However, due to its high cost, it’s not widely believed that we can fund it within the allocated budget for this project.
Editor: That makes sense. What is the primary purpose of deploying these drones over the Arctic region?
Hans Peter Michaelsen: The primary aim is to enhance surveillance capabilities in Greenland, particularly to monitor activities at sea level. Given the remote nature of the region, having drones that can operate over long distances is crucial, especially since there are limited landing options available.
Editor: Managing operations in such a challenging environment must come with its own set of complications. What are some of the logistical hurdles associated with these long-distance drone operations?
Hans Peter Michaelsen: Indeed, one of the main challenges is maintaining communication with the drones over vast distances, especially as you move further north where satellite coverage is limited. While acquiring the drones is a significant step, establishing a reliable communication infrastructure to control these drones and process the data they collect is where most of the complexities will lie.
Editor: With all these hurdles in mind, when can we expect to see these drones in operation?
Hans Peter Michaelsen: It will likely take a few years before they are operational. There are numerous decisions yet to be made, and it’s crucial to ensure that all systems, from acquisition to communication, are in place before we undertake such significant operations in the Arctic.
Editor: Thank you for shedding light on this fascinating and complex endeavor, Hans. It will be interesting to see how it develops in the future!
Hans Peter Michaelsen: Thank you for having me!