Denmark has issued a prohibition on civilian drone flights following reports of drones spotted at military facilities overnight, which led to temporary closures of Danish airports earlier in the week. The Danish military responded to the sightings with various measures but did not disclose further details.
The drone incidents, which have been labeled as part of a “hybrid attack” by Denmark, have raised concerns about security in northern Europe. While the responsible party has not been definitively identified, Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen hinted at Moscow’s involvement, citing Russia as a primary security threat to Europe. However, the Kremlin has denied any involvement in the drone activities.
To address the security situation, Denmark will restrict civilian drone operations in its airspace from Monday to Friday during the EU summit, as the country currently holds the rotating presidency of the European Union. Defence Minister Troels Lund Poulsen emphasized the need to ensure optimal conditions for the armed forces and police during the summit.
European leaders are set to gather in Denmark for the EU summit, followed by a meeting of the European Political Community, a coalition of EU and other European nations established after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022. A German air defense frigate has arrived in Copenhagen to support airspace surveillance during the events.
After a NATO meeting in Riga, Latvia, Colonel Martin O’Donnell from Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe announced increased vigilance in the Baltic Sea region, which includes Denmark, with new surveillance assets under Baltic Sentry. NATO remains in close coordination with Danish authorities in response to the drone incidents.
