Odense strengthens its position as a leading drone test and development hub
In 2025, a growing number of international drone companies chose Odense as their base for testing and validation, leveraging the unique capabilities of UAS Denmark Test Center located at HCA Airport.
Unique airspace enabling advanced operations
Drone activity at HCA Airport continues to rise, reflecting strong interest from both Danish and international companies seeking access to UAS Denmark Test Center’s advanced test environment. UAS Denmark test center combines extensive BVLOS-capable airspace over land and sea, airport infrastructure and operational experience involving both unmanned and manned aviation.
Michael Larsen, Head of UAS Denmark Test Center, points to the increased activity as a result of the center’s strengthened test capabilities.
“This development supports the long-term ambition of strengthening drone testing, validation and integration, and of positioning UAS Denmark Test Center as a key hub for the development of advanced unmanned aviation technologies. ”
According to the annual activity overview, a total of 5,893 drone operations were carried out in 2025, representing a 6 % increase compared to 2024.
What drone companies gain from testing in Odense
As one of few airports in Europe, UAS Denmark Test Center offers a large BVLOS (Beyond Visual Line of Sight) airspace over land and sea, available on a 48-hour notice. This enables companies to move quickly from development to real-world testing. In addition companies gain access to Arctic drone testing in Greenand, offering operations under real, harsh environmental conditions. The primary test facility is based in Kangerlussuaq on Greenland’s west coast, providing a unique opportunity to validate systems for cold weather, long-range and endurance missions.
In 2025, the Danish Defense announced plans to establish a new drone center in Odense, further strengthening the city’s position as a strategic location for dual-use technologies. For drone companies, this creates close proximity to defence stakeholders and opportunities within security, surveillance and counter-drone solutions.
According to Casper Rundager, Investment Manager in Robotics & Drones, Odense’s strength lies in the combination of infrastructure and collaboration:
“Odense features not only one of Northern Europe’s leading drone test centers but also a flourishing ecosystem comprising of established robotics and drone companies, startups, academia and the Danish Defense. This makes the city a prime hotspot for drone, counter-drone and dual-use technologies. We actively support companies looking to establish and scale their operations in Odense.”
SDU UAS Test Center
Founded by the University of Southern Denmark (SDU), SDU UAS Test Center is a partner in UAS Denmark Test Center, contributing applied research, industry collaboration and talent development for the drone sector. Located at HCA Airport, the center offers companies direct access to advanced laboratories, interdisciplinary research expertise, and test facilities supporting the development and validation of drone technologies.
Business park expansion offering office space
The increasing demand for drone testing and operations has also driven interest in the business park adjacent to HCA Airport.
Following the four-hectare expansion completed last year, further expansion options are currently being explored to accommodate additional drone-related activities and companies.
Companies locating at the site also gain access to Denmark’s internationally recognised robotics and drone clusters, comprising more than 300 companies and seven knowledge partners nationwide.
This makes the business park an attractive base for companies aiming to scale within advanced robotics, autonomous systems and drone technologies.
Further information
Casper Rundager
Investment manager - Robotics & drones
With a deep passion for international trade and commercial growth, I thrive in helping foreign companies in the robotics, drone, tech and automation industry establish and grow their business in Odense. My background is within product management and business development in global software and automation companies, and having lived and worked abroad myself, I know the value of networks and collaboration. I am looking very much forward to helping you take the next step.
+45 4245 8980
cspru@odense.dk
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