Thunderstrike to establish drone factory in Odense, Denmark

In a hangar in Odense, five-meter wide drones produced by the American company Thunderstrike are set to make a mark in the global drone industry. The company plans to establish a new factory at Hans Christian Andersen Airport in Odense, aimed at producing 200 drones annually, a significant development for the region, according to local Mayor Peter Rahbæk Juel.

Juel emphasized that Odense has long invested in robotics, technology, and drones, boasting excellent testing facilities at the airport. He views Thunderstrike’s commitment to developing and producing drones locally as a dream come true for the city. This initiative is expected to create over a hundred new jobs, further solidifying Odense’s status as a drone center in Denmark.

Thunderstrike will be the third drone manufacturer in Denmark and the first to operate at such a large scale. Joachim Finkielman, director of the Danish Industry Defense and Security Association, noted the anticipated establishment as a promising opportunity given Odense’s existing industrial capabilities.

Mette Landtved-Holm, Mayor of Nordfyn Municipality, which shares ownership of the airport with Odense, echoed the excitement, highlighting the additional job opportunities and activity this venture will bring to the region. The drones will be utilized for monitoring war zones, border security, and civil surveillance.

David Schmidt, CEO of Thunderstrike, expressed his satisfaction with the site choice, noting Odense as home to the largest drone testing facility in Europe. The production facility, measuring 3,000 square meters near the airport, allows for immediate testing of the drones, enhancing the appeal of the location.

The Danish government aims to position Denmark as a drone development hub within NATO, with plans to designate Odense Airport as a NATO Center of Excellence for drones, indicating robust political support for the industry’s growth.