Drones Sighted Near Danish Military Bases Amid Rising Tensions

Drones have been observed at multiple locations belonging to the Danish Armed Forces, coinciding with NATO’s announcement to enhance surveillance in the Baltic Sea region. This activity took place overnight, following a series of unexplained drone sightings over the past week, including incidents near five Danish airports. The Danish Defence Ministry confirmed the deployment of “several capacities” but did not disclose specific details about the number of drones or their precise locations.

Heightened Security Measures and Drone Activity

The recent drone sightings have raised significant concerns about security in northern Europe, particularly amid suspicions of increasing Russian aggression. Following a NATO meeting in Riga, Latvia, on March 11, 2024, Colonel Martin O’Donnell, spokesperson for the Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe, stated that NATO will implement “enhanced vigilance” in the Baltic Sea region, which includes Denmark. This initiative, dubbed “Baltic Sentry,” will incorporate various intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance platforms, alongside at least one air defence frigate.

In preparation for the European Union summit scheduled to occur in Copenhagen this week, the Danish Transportation Ministry announced a temporary ban on all civilian drone flights from March 13 to March 17, 2024. Minister Thomas Danielsen emphasized the need to eliminate risks of confusion between legal and potentially hostile drones, stating, “We cannot accept that foreign drones create uncertainty and disturbances in society.” Violations of this prohibition may lead to fines or imprisonment of up to two years, although military and emergency drone operations will remain exempt.

On March 12, 2024, the Danish Defence Ministry reported the arrival of the German air defence frigate, FSG Hamburg, in Copenhagen. The frigate will assist in bolstering Denmark’s airspace surveillance ahead of the EU summit, as part of NATO’s Baltic Sentry activities. Additionally, Germany has pledged military support, providing counter-small unmanned aircraft systems capabilities to help detect and neutralize potential threats.

Public Concern and Political Responses

Tensions have escalated in Denmark as reports of drone activity continue to surface, with hundreds of sightings reported by citizens that remain unverified. Authorities have urged the public to report any suspicious activity. Danish Minister of Justice Peter Hummelgaard remarked that the drone operations aim to instill fear and division, indicating that the government is exploring further measures to counter the threat. This could include legislation allowing infrastructure owners to take down unauthorized drones.

While the origin of the drone activity remains unclear, both Denmark’s Prime Minister and NATO’s Secretary-General have acknowledged the possibility of Russian involvement. The Russian Embassy in Denmark has denied any connection to the incidents. In statements made to Russian media, Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko warned that any attempts by NATO to shoot down Russian or Belarusian aircraft would provoke an “immediate response.”

In a recent address to the UN General Assembly, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov reiterated that Russia has no intention of attacking Europe but cautioned that any aggression would lead to a decisive response. He stated, “People will very much regret if they commit the most flagrant violation of our territorial integrity.”

As preparations for the European Union summit continue, the situation remains fluid, and authorities are taking significant steps to ensure national security.