Danish Defense Minister: Drones over airports are a “systematic operation”

The head of Denmark's National Intelligence Service, Finn Borsch Andersen, still does not know exactly who is behind this week's drone flights, which disrupted air traffic at several Danish airports.

In his opinion, these drone incidents fit the model of hybrid warfare that has already occurred in some parts of Europe. An increased risk of sabotage by Russia is considered very likely.

These incidents include repeated drone flights over the airports of Copenhagen, Aalborg, Billund, Esbjerg, Sønderborg, and in the military airspace near Skrydstrup.

The airports were temporarily closed and thousands of passengers were delayed. This followed similar airspace violations in Poland and Romania involving Russian drones.

Danish Defense Minister Troels Lund Poulsen described the events as a “hybrid attack” that we are seeing as part of a broader campaign to destabilize European infrastructure.

He said it was a “systematic operation” and that the drones were likely launched from areas near airports. Justice Minister Peter Hummelgaard added that “the goal is to sow fear and discord.”

At the same time, Troels Lund Poulsen confirmed that modern defense systems are in place, including F-35 fighter jets and frigates. He also acknowledged that Denmark does not yet have sufficient ground-based drone defense capabilities, which are currently being procured.

(reuters, sie)