Norway Considers US Long-Range Maritime Drones for Arctic Patrols

Norway is in the concept phase of procuring long-range unmanned aerial systems for maritime surveillance as part of its 2025–2036 Long-Term Defence Plan, with planned deployment between 2029 and 2032 at Andøya Air Station north of the Arctic Circle. Two major U.S. manufacturers, Northrop Grumman and General Atomics, are competing to supply drones that can operate in the Arctic and integrate with Norway's existing P-8 Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft. Northrop Grumman offers the MQ-4C Triton, a high-altitude long-endurance platform with global 24/7 multi-intelligence maritime surveillance capabilities, while General Atomics proposes the MQ-9B SeaGuardian, a medium-altitude long-endurance system. Northrop Grumman has criticized the MQ-9B's lower service ceiling and higher vulnerability, asserting that the more capable Triton would require fewer units for coverage. Norwegian officials emphasize that requirements are still being defined, no flight tests have occurred, and no final procurement decision has been made. The drones are also expected to support additional missions like natural disaster response and rescue operations.