Saturday, March 29, 2025
Denmark’s defense minister has labeled recent drone incursions a “professional hybrid attack,” as flights were grounded at multiple airports across the country. The incidents, which occurred over several days, have raised concerns about national security and prompted a swift response from Danish and NATO officials.
The latest wave of drone sightings began on a Wednesday night, causing a multi-hour shutdown at Aalborg airport, a key military base. Three other airports—Esbjerg, Sønderborg, and Skrydstrup—also reported disruptions. Skrydstrup, home to some of Denmark’s fighter jets, was particularly affected. This followed a similar event on Monday night, where three drones forced the closure of Copenhagen airport.
According to Defense Minister Troels Lund Poulsen, the simultaneous nature of the incidents points to a sophisticated and coordinated operation by a “professional actor.” He described the events as a “hybrid attack” and an “arms race against time,” emphasizing the evolving nature of the threat. In response, Denmark is considering invoking NATO’s Article 4 for the first time in its history. Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen has already discussed the situation with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, who confirmed the alliance is taking the matter “very seriously.”
Danish authorities are investigating the source of the drones, with speculation that they may have been launched from the sea or even from within Denmark. Online ship trackers show that two Russian vessels were in the area during the Copenhagen incident. The Russian embassy in Copenhagen has dismissed any claims of their involvement as “absurd,” calling the disruptions a “staged provocation.”
The Danish Justice Minister, Peter Hummelgaard, stated that the goal of the attacks was to “sow fear and division.” He added that the government would explore new measures to neutralize drones, including potential legislation to allow critical infrastructure owners to shoot them down.
These incidents are not isolated; similar drone incursions have been reported in Poland and Romania, and Russian fighter jets have violated Estonian airspace, contributing to heightened tensions across Europe. A joint EU meeting has been scheduled to address the issue and discuss a “drone wall” to enhance regional defense.
