Denmark Investigates "Professional Actor" Behind Disruptive Drone Incursions at Airports
Denmark is investigating a series of drone incursions that disrupted operations at several of its airports. Officials believe the incidents are the work of a “professional actor” and part of a "hybrid attack", but have stated there is no direct evidence of Russian involvement at this time. The incidents have prompted heightened security measures and discussions about enhanced drone defense capabilities across Europe.
Airspace Disruptions and Airport Closures
On Wednesday evening, Aalborg airport, which serves both commercial and military flights, was forced to shut down for several hours after green lights, assumed to be from drones, were spotted overhead. Billund airport also experienced a brief closure. Three smaller airports – Esbjerg, Sønderborg, and Skrydstrup – reported similar drone activity. This followed a similar incident on Monday where Copenhagen airport was temporarily closed due to a drone incursion.
- Drones were first sighted over Aalborg airport around 21:44 local time (19:44 GMT).
- Police received reports of drone activity near the smaller airports a few minutes later.
- Billund airport closed for about an hour early on Thursday morning due to drone activity.
Official Statements and Investigation
Defence Minister Troels Lund Poulsen described the drone flights as a "systematic operation," suggesting a coordinated effort. He emphasized that the devices were likely launched locally and that there was "no direct military threat" to Denmark. Danish police are actively seeking to identify those responsible for the incursions. Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen has not ruled out Russian involvement, calling it “the most severe attack on Danish infrastructure so far”.
"There can be no doubt that everything points to this being the work of a professional actor when we are talking about such a systematic operation in so many locations at virtually the same time," - Defence Minister Troels Lund Poulsen.
Hybrid Attack and European Response
Authorities are characterizing the incidents as a "hybrid attack," which involves a combination of military and non-military tactics designed to interfere with a nation's infrastructure or institutions. Justice Minister Peter Hummelgaard stated that Denmark will acquire new capabilities to detect and neutralize drones, emphasizing that the goal of such attacks is to "spread fear, create division and frighten us." An EU meeting has been called to discuss enhanced drone preparedness across Europe. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen previously called for a "drone wall" to defend against such incursions.
International Context and Russian Denials
The Danish drone incidents follow similar reports of airspace violations in other NATO member states, including Poland, Estonia, and Romania. While Russia has denied direct involvement in the Danish incidents, describing them as "staged provocations," these events have heightened tensions in the region. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov called allegations of Russian involvement "unfounded." The Russian embassy in Copenhagen has dismissed “absurd speculations” of their involvement.
