Drone Activity Disrupts Danish Airports Again; Russia Denies Any Role
Drone sightings overnight led to the temporary closure of two Danish airports and raised concerns about potential threats to military facilities. Danish officials described the incidents as “hybrid attacks” designed to create fear and uncertainty, though the source of the incursions remains unidentified.
This marks the second such incident in Denmark in as many days, contributing to broader concerns among European leaders about the vulnerability of the continent’s airspace amid heightened tensions between Russia and NATO. In response to the drone activity, Denmark’s Prime Minister discussed the matter with NATO’s Secretary General, emphasising the need for collective action to strengthen regional security.
Germany’s Chancellor urged NATO to maintain strong deterrence, noting recent warnings issued to Russia that the alliance is prepared to respond with both military and non-military measures if needed.
Russia has denied any involvement in the drone incidents, calling speculation about its role “absurd.”
Poland recently intercepted drones suspected to be of Russian origin, and Estonia also took action after an airspace breach by Russian aircraft. While Denmark chose not to shoot down any drones—citing safety concerns—it has not ruled out invoking NATO’s Article 4, which allows for formal consultations when a member perceives a threat to its security.
The overnight drone activity forced a three-hour shutdown of Aalborg Airport and a one-hour closure at Billund, Denmark’s second-largest airport. Additional sightings were reported near other airports and military sites in western Jutland, including areas housing Denmark’s F-16 and F-35 fighter jets. A separate military facility in Holstebro also reported drone activity.
Offshore, drones were reportedly observed flying over the North Sea, including near oil fields, raising further alarm about potential surveillance or interference with critical infrastructure.
A defence expert noted that the repeated incursions highlight significant gaps in Denmark’s ability to monitor and defend its airspace against drone threats.
In response to rising security concerns, Denmark has increased its defence spending and recently announced plans to acquire long-range precision weapons. The government’s decision to support Ukrainian missile fuel production near one of its key airbases has also drawn criticism from Russia.
The drones involved in this latest incident appeared to follow a pattern similar to those spotted near Copenhagen earlier in the week. Authorities have since stepped up their presence around affected airports and other sensitive sites.
Denmark’s top military commander acknowledged that while the armed forces possess a range of capabilities, their current ability to counter drone threats remains limited.
Opposition lawmakers criticised the government’s preparedness, arguing that despite substantial defence funding, the country is struggling with basic protection of its infrastructure.
The Prime Minister described the recent drone incidents as the most serious threat so far to the country’s critical infrastructure. While direct evidence is lacking, she and several analysts have linked the activity to a broader pattern of suspected Russian drone operations across Europe.
Earlier in the week, Norwegian authorities closed Oslo’s airspace for several hours due to drone sightings. Analysts have suggested that such actions may be part of a strategy aimed at testing NATO’s responses without crossing the threshold that would provoke direct military action.
The drone events come at a sensitive time, as Denmark prepares to host a major European Union summit in Copenhagen next week.
