Drones Disrupt Military Operations as Tensions Rise in Denmark

Drones have been reported at various locations of the Danish armed forces, prompting heightened security measures amid escalating concerns over potential Russian aggression. The Danish Defense Ministry confirmed drone sightings from Saturday into Sunday, coinciding with NATO’s announcement to enhance vigilance in the Baltic Sea region.

The ministry did not specify the number of drones or their exact locations but stated it had deployed “several capacities” in response to the incidents. This latest activity follows a pattern of unexplained drone appearances, including over five Danish airports last week, raising alarms about security in northern Europe.

NATO’s Enhanced Vigilance Efforts

Following discussions at a NATO meeting in Riga, Latvia, on March 9, 2024, Colonel Martin O’Donnell, spokesperson for the Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe, outlined plans for increased monitoring in the Baltic Sea, which encompasses Denmark. He noted that NATO leaders have maintained close communication with Danish officials regarding the drone incidents. The initiative, dubbed Baltic Sentry, will utilize “multiple intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance platforms and at least one air defense frigate.”

In light of the upcoming European Union summit in Copenhagen, the Danish Transportation Ministry has announced a prohibition on all civilian drone operations in Danish airspace from March 11 to March 15, 2024. This measure aims to prevent confusion between legal and potentially hostile drones. Thomas Danielsen, the Danish Minister of Transportation, emphasized the need for clear security, stating, “We cannot accept that foreign drones create uncertainty and disturbances in society.” Violations of this prohibition may lead to fines or imprisonment for up to two years.

International Support and Rising Tensions

On Sunday, the Danish Defense Ministry reported the arrival of the German air defense frigate, FSG Hamburg, in Copenhagen. This ship will bolster Denmark’s airspace surveillance as the EU summit approaches. The German armed forces have also offered military assistance to Denmark through counter-small unmanned aircraft systems (C-UAS), which utilize various detection technologies.

Sweden has pledged to lend Denmark military anti-drone capabilities, though specific details remain undisclosed. Reports of drone activity have led to heightened anxiety in Denmark, with hundreds of sightings reported by citizens, many of which could not be verified. Peter Hummelgaard, Denmark’s Minister of Justice, remarked that the aim of these flyovers appears to be instilling fear and division. The Danish government is exploring further measures to neutralize such drone threats, including proposing legislation that would enable infrastructure owners to shoot down unauthorized drones.

While the identity of those behind the drone activity remains uncertain, both Denmark’s Prime Minister and NATO’s Secretary-General indicated that Russian involvement could not be dismissed. Russia’s embassy in Denmark has denied any connection to the incidents.

In related comments, Alexander Lukashenko, President of Belarus, warned that any NATO attempts to shoot down Russian or Belarusian aircraft would provoke an “immediate response.” Furthermore, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov addressed the UN General Assembly, asserting that Russia does not intend to attack Europe but will respond decisively to any acts of aggression.

As Denmark prepares for the EU summit, the situation underscores the delicate balance of security in the Baltic region, where airspace safety remains a pressing concern. The Danish government continues to urge the public to report any suspicious activity to the police as tensions evolve.