Denmark revealed on Thursday that the recent drone intrusions causing brief closures at two airports and disrupting military installations were classified as hybrid attacks aimed at instilling fear. Authorities are currently uncertain about the perpetrators behind these incidents.
These drone occurrences are part of a string of similar events over the past weeks, highlighting the vulnerability of European airspace and the intricate challenges faced by governments in addressing such threats. Despite the disruption to air traffic, Danish officials opted not to take down the drones for safety concerns.
Billund airport, the second-largest in Denmark, was closed for an hour, while Aalborg airport, serving commercial and military flights, shut down for three hours due to the drone disruptions. Both airports resumed operations the following morning. Additional drone sightings were reported near airports in Esbjerg and Sonderborg, along with the Skrydstrup airbase and a military facility in Holstebro, all located in western Denmark’s Jutland peninsula.
Danish Defence Minister Troels Lund Poulsen expressed concerns over the systematic nature of these incidents, labeling them as a hybrid attack. Despite the disruptions, he clarified that Denmark faced no direct military threat.
Local resident Morten Skov witnessed green blinking lights near Aalborg airport and captured the movement on video, which showcased the drone’s actions. Danish national police noted similarities in the drone patterns observed at Copenhagen airport earlier.
Following these events, Denmark announced plans to acquire long-range precision weapons to counter potential threats from Russia. Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen emphasized a shift in Danish defense policy, which has received criticism from Russia, particularly regarding military spending and hosting Ukrainian missile fuel production near the Skrydstrup airbase.
Despite suspicions linking the drone incidents to Russia, the country’s ambassador to Denmark, Vladimir Barbin, denied any involvement. Denmark is contemplating seeking consultations under NATO’s Article 4 to address security concerns and determine appropriate actions. Russia has yet to comment on the recent drone activities in Jutland.
