Denmark probes hybrid attacks after drone sightings over military base
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Unidentified drones flew over key Danish military sites, prompting fears of hybrid attacks and potential Russian involvement.
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Denmark's Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen delivers her speech as Denmark holds the rotating presidency of the Council of Europe, Tuesday, July 8, 2025 at the European Parliament in Strasbourg, eastern France (AP)
Unidentified drones flew over several Danish military installations, including the country’s largest base, late Friday night in what officials labeled a suspected hybrid attack in Denmark linked to Russian drone activity.
A Danish military spokesperson confirmed to Agence France-Presse that drones were observed at multiple military locations but declined to provide further details. Police reported that one to two drones were seen around 7:15 p.m. local time over and near Karup airbase, the largest military facility in Denmark, which houses all of the armed forces’ helicopters, airspace surveillance systems, flight school, and support units.
Karup, which also accommodates parts of the Danish defence command, shares runways with the Midtjylland civilian airport. The airport was briefly closed during the incident, though no flights were disrupted due to the timing.
Russia denies responsibility
The sightings are part of a broader pattern of Denmark's military drone sightings that have occurred since Monday. These mysterious drone appearances have also led to the temporary closure of several airports in the region.
On Thursday, Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen stated, “Over recent days, Denmark has been the victim of hybrid attacks.” Justice Minister Peter Hummelgaard echoed the sentiment, saying the aim of such actions is “to spread fear, create division and frighten us.”
While investigators have yet to identify the perpetrators, Defence Minister Troels Lund Poulsen said the drone flights appear to be “the work of a professional actor.” Frederiksen ultimately accused Russia, claiming it “poses a threat to Europe’s security.”
Moscow, however, has rejected any connection to the incidents. The Russian embassy in Copenhagen asserted the events were “a staged provocation” in a social media statement.
The drone flights in Denmark come amid similar incursions reported in Polish, Romanian, and Estonian airspace earlier this month. Oslo Airport in Norway was also temporarily closed due to drone activity.
EU pushes for drone wall
In response to rising Russian drone activity, defense ministers from ten EU countries agreed on Friday to prioritize a drone wall across Europe. EU Defence Commissioner Andrius Kubilius emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating: “We need to move fast... and we need to move, taking all the lessons from Ukraine and making this drone wall together with Ukraine.”
However, Denmark has dismissed the option of invoking NATO's Article 4 despite the drone sightings. Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen confirmed Friday that Copenhagen would not seek consultations under the NATO clause, stating, "We do not plan to do that. We maintain good communication with our NATO allies at all levels."
His remarks followed Defense Minister Troels Lund Poulsen's earlier acknowledgment that Denmark had spoken to NATO and the EU but had made no move to escalate the matter.
Denmark enhances anti-drone defense capabilities
The incidents occurred just days after Denmark announced plans to acquire long-range precision weapons for the first time, citing Russia’s potential threat in the coming years. Justice Minister Hummelgaard also confirmed that Copenhagen would invest in enhanced technology to detect and neutralize drones.
Ahead of an upcoming EU summit in Copenhagen on Wednesday and Thursday, the Danish government accepted an offer from Sweden to deploy its anti-drone systems, ensuring security for the gathering of European leaders.
Read more: Poland deploys 40,000 troops ahead of Russia-Belarus Zapad drills
