In brief
Drones have been spotted near military installations in Denmark, including Karup airbase, prompting concerns of potential aerial threats and speculations about Russian involvement. The incidents follow previous airspace disruptions linked to similar drone sightings in the region.
Drones have been seen near military facilities including Denmark's largest, following a series of incidents that caused air disruption earlier this week.
The devices were observed above Karup airbase, among others, forcing it to briefly close its airspace to commercial traffic. Possible sightings were also reported in Germany, Norway and Lithuania.
This is the latest in a string of suspicious drone activity in Denmark, raising concerns about the nation's vulnerability to aerial attack and sparking fears of potential Russian involvement.
Danish authorities stated that Thursday's incursions appeared to be a hybrid attack, but cautioned that they had no evidence to suggest Moscow was behind it.
Friday's incident occurred around 20:15 local time, lasting for several hours, according to duty officer Simon Skelsjaer. He mentioned that police are collaborating with the Danish military, though they could not comment on the origin of the drones as they had not been shot down.
Despite the airspace closures, commercial flights were unaffected as none were scheduled at the time. The Danish Defence Ministry confirmed that multiple military installations were involved but did not specify which. Approximately 3,500 personnel operate at Karup airbase, which houses all of Denmark's helicopters and parts of its Defence Command.
The drone sightings come just days after incidents that forced several Danish airports to shut down, including Copenhagen airport, which closed for several hours on Monday due to similar sightings.
Concerns have emerged that the wave of drone activity may be linked to a Russian strategy of indirect aggression towards NATO states supporting Ukraine, although evidence is lacking.
Denmark's defence minister described the incursions as likely the work of a professional actor, hinting at a local operation. Hybrid attacks use a blend of military and non-military tactics to disrupt a nation’s infrastructure or institutions.
Suspicion towards Russia hinges on past accusations of hybrid tactics, and multiple NATO member states have recently reported similar incidents involving Russian incursions.
After the recent disruptions, Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen suggested that Russian involvement could not be ruled out, though the Kremlin has dismissed these allegations as unfounded.
