Drones Over Four Danish Airports Spark Concerns of Putin's NATO Test

Drone Incidents Spark Concerns Over NATO Security

Drones have been spotted flying over several airports in Denmark, raising concerns about potential threats to national security and NATO defenses. The incidents occurred overnight at four different locations: Aalborg, Esbjerg, Sonderborg, and the Skrydstrup air base. Authorities reported that the unmanned aircraft were observed before departing on their own, prompting a series of responses from local police and government officials.

Aalborg Airport, one of Denmark's largest after Copenhagen, was temporarily shut down before resuming operations several hours later. During the incident, all incoming and outgoing flights were halted, with some diverted to other airports. Despite efforts, police were unable to shoot down the drones, which flew over a large area for several hours. North Jutland chief police inspector Jesper Bojgaard Madsen highlighted the challenge posed by the drones, emphasizing the need for further investigation.

The Danish government is now considering whether to activate NATO's Article 4, which calls for urgent consultation among member states in response to any perceived threat. Deputy Prime Minister Troels Lund Poulsen confirmed that discussions with NATO and the EU are ongoing. Meanwhile, an investigation is being conducted by Danish intelligence services and the armed forces to determine the circumstances surrounding the drone activity. To date, no operators have been identified or apprehended.

The purpose of the drones remains unclear, as does the identity of those controlling them. This incident follows similar events in Poland and Romania, as well as the recent violation of Estonian airspace by Russian fighter jets. These developments have heightened tensions amid Russia’s ongoing invasion of Ukraine.

Donald Trump has urged NATO countries to take decisive action against intruding Russian planes, while UK Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper described the incidents as “provocative and reckless,” warning that the UK is prepared to respond if necessary.

South Jutland police reported receiving multiple reports of drone activity at Esbjerg, Sonderborg, and Skrydstrup airports late Wednesday evening. Although these airports remained open, the drones were observed with lights and raised questions about their origin and intent. Police are still investigating the type of drones involved and the motives behind their presence.

These incidents come days after similar drone activity was reported at Copenhagen Airport, which led to the closure of the facility for several hours. Danish police suggested that Russia may be responsible for the disruption, which affected around 100 flights and left 20,000 passengers stranded. Police inspector Jens Jespersen noted that the operation appeared to be highly sophisticated, citing factors such as the number of drones, their size, flight patterns, and the duration of their presence over the airport.

Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen called the incident the most serious attack on critical infrastructure in the country’s history, leaving open the possibility of Russian involvement. Authorities indicated that the perpetrator may have been trying to demonstrate certain capabilities. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky referenced “Russia’s violation” of NATO airspace in Copenhagen, though he did not provide evidence for his claim.

In addition, Danish intelligence services have warned of a “high threat of sabotage” following the incidents. Flemming Drejer, Director of Operations at Denmark’s intelligence service PET, stated that the threat could involve actions aimed at testing the country’s resilience rather than direct attacks.

Jespersen also shared details about the drones’ movements, noting that they appeared from various directions, turned their lights on and off, and eventually disappeared after several hours. Police are examining multiple theories regarding the drones’ origin, including the possibility that they were launched from ships near the busy shipping lanes used by vessels entering and exiting the Baltic Sea.

On Tuesday, Russia denied any involvement in the incidents. Flights at Copenhagen Airport were either diverted or grounded for hours after multiple large drones were seen above the runways. At least 35 flights were redirected to other locations, including Malmo and Gothenburg in Sweden, and Billund, Aalborg, and Aarhus in Denmark. The disruptions caused delays or cancellations for around 100 flights, affecting approximately 20,000 passengers.

Later that evening, Oslo Airport in Norway was forced to close and divert flights after drones were spotted nearby. Two individuals were arrested in the Norwegian capital after drones were observed at a military site. Norwegian police detained two Singaporean citizens operating a drone over Akershus Fortress, which houses the headquarters of the Norwegian Armed Forces and the Ministry of Defence.