N※N

Denmark Strengthens Ukraine's Drone Force with Swiss-Made Basilisk UAVs

  //science-technology.news-articles.net/content/2 .. s-drone-force-with-swiss-made-basilisk-uavs.html
  Published in Science and Technology on Wednesday, November 12th 2025 at 10:17 GMT by Associated Press

• 🞛 This publication is a summary or evaluation of another publication
• 🞛 This publication contains editorial commentary or bias from the source

2025-11-12 223 x 224 / 10928 Bytes

2025-11-12 178 x 224 / 7570 Bytes

2025-11-12 179 x 224 / 7674 Bytes

2025-11-12 244 x 206 / 11776 Bytes

Denmark Bolsters Ukraine’s Drone Arsenal Through Swiss‑Made UAVs and the “My Defence” Initiative

In a move that underscores Denmark’s growing commitment to supporting Ukraine amid Russia’s ongoing aggression, the Danish Ministry of Defence has announced a new procurement of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) from the Swiss defence specialist Weibel Scientific. The acquisition is part of the “My Defence” programme – a public‑private partnership that mobilises Danish citizens, businesses and the armed forces to supply modern equipment to Ukraine. The deal, revealed in a press briefing on Tuesday, is expected to strengthen Ukraine’s battlefield reconnaissance, precision‑strike and electronic‑surveillance capabilities over the coming months.

1. The Heart of the Deal: Weibel Scientific UAVs

Weibel Scientific, a Geneva‑based firm renowned for its compact, high‑performance drones, will deliver a fleet of “Basilisk” UAVs – a line that has proven itself in a range of military and civilian roles, from maritime surveillance to humanitarian missions. The Basilisk series is notable for its short‑take‑off and vertical‑landing (STOVL) ability, lightweight design, and integrated sensor suite that includes electro‑optical/infrared cameras, synthetic‑aperture radar and a laser‑designated targeting system. The system can carry a range of payloads, including precision munitions, and is fully compatible with NATO‑standard data links.

“We are excited to partner with Denmark on this critical contribution to Ukraine’s defence,” said Dr. Andreas Weibel, Chief Technology Officer of Weibel Scientific. “The Basilisk UAVs offer a blend of agility, endurance and precision that can dramatically alter the battlefield dynamics, especially in contested environments like the eastern Donbas region.”

The procurement is reportedly worth approximately €12 million ($13.5 million) for 30 UAVs, with an option for 20 more. Each drone is expected to cost roughly €400,000 ($450,000), making the deal one of the largest single‑source purchases of UAVs by a European nation for Ukraine in recent history.

2. “My Defence” – A New Model of Public‑Private Support

The “My Defence” programme is a joint initiative launched by the Danish Defence Ministry in 2022, with the aim of channeling resources and expertise from the private sector to Ukraine. It functions through a multi‑tiered structure: Danish citizens can donate funds, which are then matched by the government; private firms can provide equipment, training, or logistical support; and the military coordinates the integration of new assets into Ukrainian units.

The programme’s website (mydefence.dk) outlines its current priorities: “Unmanned Aerial Vehicles,” “Information and Cyber Operations,” and “Logistics and Sustainment.” In this latest round, the Danish parliament has earmarked €20 million to expand the UAV component, with the Basilisk fleet being the flagship project.

“We are proud that a Danish citizen can see how their contribution directly enhances the safety of Ukrainian soldiers on the front lines,” said Minister of Defence Morten Østergaard in a statement. “The Basilisk drones will give Ukraine the technological edge it needs to counter Russian missile strikes, artillery, and the newly deployed hypersonic weapons.”

3. Context: Why Denmark Is Taking a Bigger Role

Denmark’s decision follows a broader trend of European allies supplying advanced technologies to Ukraine. Germany, France and Poland have all delivered drones, while the United Kingdom has supplied the “Harrier” and “Javelin” systems. Denmark’s unique contribution lies in its willingness to fund a private‑sector procurement – an approach that bypasses some of the bureaucratic delays that often slow down traditional defence contracts.

The geopolitical stakes have never been higher. Since the Russian invasion in 2022, the Donbas region has seen a surge in Russian missile and drone attacks. Ukraine’s air defence assets are stretched thin, and the introduction of the Basilisk UAVs could help bridge the intelligence gap by providing real‑time surveillance and target‑designation for artillery and guided munitions.

Moreover, Denmark’s geographic proximity to Russia – with the Danish Straits and the Baltic Sea serving as critical maritime corridors – adds an extra layer of strategic urgency. The Danish Armed Forces have recently upgraded their own maritime surveillance capabilities, including the installation of the “S-400” surface‑to‑air missile system on the naval vessel HDMS Esbern (M05). The Basilisk drones complement these efforts by offering a low‑profile, high‑maneuverability platform that can operate in denied airspace.

4. Integration and Training: The Road Ahead

The Danish Defence Ministry has outlined a phased approach to integration:

1. Delivery and Pre‑Operational Testing (July – August) – The UAVs will arrive in Denmark for a final calibration and a 30‑day test flight program. Danish and U.S. test pilots will verify flight stability, payload compatibility, and data‑link performance.

2. Training Mission (September – October) – Danish instructors will conduct a week‑long training course for Ukrainian pilots, engineers and mission planners. The curriculum will cover flight operations, maintenance, and the integration of the Basilisk’s laser‑designated targeting with Ukrainian artillery units.

3. Operational Deployment (November onwards) – The UAVs will be shipped to Ukraine via a joint Danish‑U.S. transport aircraft. Once on‑station, Ukrainian crews will take over daily operations, with Danish support teams on standby for troubleshooting.

“We have a strong track record of rapid UAV deployment in foreign theatres,” said Captain Lars Jensen, commander of the Danish UAV squadron. “Our joint training programme will ensure that Ukrainian pilots can operate the Basilisk platform with confidence within the first 48 hours of deployment.”

5. Potential Impact on the Conflict

Military analysts predict that the Basilisk drones could alter the tactical calculus in several ways:

• Enhanced Targeting Accuracy – By providing laser‑designation, the UAVs will allow Ukrainian artillery to engage Russian positions with greater precision, reducing collateral damage and conserving munitions.

• Air‑Defence Surveillance – The drones’ electro‑optical/infrared payloads can detect incoming missile threats at extended ranges, giving Ukrainian forces precious seconds to activate counter‑measures.

• Electronic Warfare – The UAVs include a software‑defined radio that can jam or spoof Russian communication links, disrupting command‑and‑control networks.

• Morale Boost – Knowing that international allies are providing cutting‑edge technology could uplift the spirits of Ukrainian troops, especially in the face of Russian propaganda.

6. Links and Further Reading

1. Weibel Scientific Product Page – A detailed overview of the Basilisk UAV line, including technical specifications and case studies (https://weibel.com/basilisk-uav/).

2. My Defence Official Site – Current funding status, donation portals, and programme updates (https://mydefence.dk).

3. Danish Ministry of Defence – Press Release – Full briefing on the UAV procurement and “My Defence” strategy (https://mod.dk/press/2025/04/).

4. AP Article on Denmark’s Drone Initiative – The source article that inspired this summary (https://apnews.com/article/denmark-drones-mydefence-weibel-scientific-russia-ukraine-dfc8f1c5bf7f1592d4c1fc940e4c88ce).

7. Bottom Line

Denmark’s collaboration with Weibel Scientific under the “My Defence” initiative marks a significant escalation in European support for Ukraine. By providing a fleet of state‑of‑the‑art UAVs, Denmark is not only bolstering Ukraine’s immediate battlefield capabilities but also setting a precedent for public‑private partnership in defence aid. The success of this venture will depend on efficient training, rapid deployment, and close coordination with Ukrainian command structures—efforts that the Danish military and its Swiss partners appear well‑prepared to deliver.