Denmark remains on heightened security footing after a series of drone incursions disrupted both civilian and military operations last week. Authorities temporarily closed airports, including Copenhagen’s international hub, after reports of large, professional-grade drones circling restricted areas.
Over the weekend, military officials confirmed new drone activity near sensitive defense installations, intensifying concerns ahead of this week’s high-profile European meetings in the Danish capital.
NATO allies send reinforcements to Copenhagen
In response, Denmark has turned to its NATO partners for support. Germany, France and Sweden have all dispatched military reinforcements to Copenhagen.
Germany deployed around 40 soldiers, advanced drone-countermeasures and radar capabilities. In addition, the German Navy has ordered the frigate Hamburg to join the mission.
France contributed a 35-member detachment along with a helicopter to strengthen Denmark’s surveillance and rapid-response capacity.
Sweden provided powerful radar systems, Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson confirmed in a statement on Monday.
The coordinated effort highlights growing concern that the drone incursions may not be random, but rather a test of European security infrastructure.
Police investigation and government measures
Danish authorities swiftly launched a nationwide investigation following the incidents. To minimize risks and prevent confusion between civilian and hostile drones, the government introduced a five-day ban on private drone use.
Officials stated that the ban aims to reduce the chance of civilian devices being mistaken for potentially threatening aircraft while investigations continue.
Political backdrop: European leaders meet in Copenhagen
The timing of the incidents coincides with major political events. On Wednesday, EU heads of state are scheduled to convene in Copenhagen for an informal summit, followed on Thursday by the European Political Community meeting, bringing together an even broader circle of leaders.
Denmark’s Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen suggested that the drone activity may be linked to efforts by Russia to destabilize Europe—an accusation Moscow has flatly denied. Although investigators have yet to identify the perpetrators, the incidents underscore the vulnerability of European infrastructure to modern hybrid threats.
Heightened vigilance across Europe
The drone incidents in Denmark mirror similar episodes reported elsewhere in Europe in recent years, where unexplained drone flights near military and energy facilities raised alarms. NATO’s rapid deployment of allied support reflects not only solidarity with Denmark, but also a wider recognition that such intrusions could represent a new front in Europe’s security challenges.
