Asger Risom
A wave of drone sightings over Danish airports has triggered closures and escalated national security concerns. Authorities are calling it a possible hybrid attack with suspected foreign interference.
A wave of drone sightings over Danish airports has triggered closures and escalated national security concerns. Authorities are calling it a possible hybrid attack with suspected foreign interference.
Aalborg Airport Temporarily Shut Down
Danish police closed the airspace over Aalborg Airport on Thursday evening after a drone was spotted nearby. Flights were grounded until operations resumed shortly after midnight.
Two Nights, Two Incidents
This marked the second consecutive night Aalborg was disrupted due to drone activity. Authorities confirmed a similar closure the night before, deepening concerns of an ongoing threat.
Flights Cancelled and Diverted
Airline traffic was significantly impacted. A KLM flight from Amsterdam was forced to turn back, while a Scandinavian Airlines flight from Copenhagen was cancelled altogether.
Copenhagen Targeted Earlier in the Week
Copenhagen Airport faced its own drone scare earlier in the week. The presence of unidentified drones near the airfield halted traffic and caused delays for several hours.
“Hybrid Attack” Suspected by Officials
Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen warned that Denmark may be experiencing a “hybrid attack,” a term used for coordinated disruptions that blend physical and cyber tactics without direct military confrontation.
Drone Activity Described as “Professional”
Defense Minister Troels Lund Poulsen declared the incidents the work of a “professional actor,” emphasizing the deliberate and sophisticated nature of the drone flights.
Broader Pattern Across Denmark
Drone sightings have also been confirmed over Esbjerg, Sønderborg, and the Skrydstrup military base, suggesting a systematic effort to surveil or destabilize key infrastructure.
Suspicions Point to Russia
While the origin of the drones remains unconfirmed, Frederiksen stated that “there is mainly one country that poses a threat to European security,” referring to Russia, though no direct evidence has been presented.
Russia Rejects Allegations
The Russian embassy in Copenhagen has strongly denied involvement, calling the accusations an “orchestrated provocation” aimed at escalating tensions without proof.
Regional Tensions Already High
These incidents follow recent drone and fighter jet intrusions into Polish, Romanian, and Estonian airspace — all attributed to Russian military maneuvers, raising concerns of a regional pattern.
Denmark Enhancing Drone Defense
In response, the Danish government is acquiring advanced systems to detect and neutralize drones. Military leadership has so far opted not to shoot down the devices, citing civilian safety concerns.
EU and NATO Support Mobilized
French President Emmanuel Macron has pledged assistance in safeguarding Danish airspace. NATO officials, including Secretary General Mark Rutte, have been engaged in talks to bolster regional defense strategies.
This article is made and published by Asger Risom, which may have used AI in the preparation
