UPDATE: Denmark has confirmed that recent drone incursions disrupting two major airports are linked to “state actors,” sparking urgent calls for enhanced anti-drone capabilities among NATO allies. This alarming revelation comes from Latvia’s Foreign Minister, Baiba Braze, who emphasized the need for collective security measures amidst rising tensions in European airspace.
The drone incursions forced the closure of Aalborg Airport for three hours and Billund Airport for one hour on September 20, 2023, as authorities scrambled to assess the situation. Both airports reopened shortly after, but the incidents highlight a troubling pattern of hybrid attacks aimed at spreading fear among the public, according to Denmark’s Defence Minister, Troels Lund Poulsen.
Danish officials reported drone sightings near multiple locations, including Esbjerg and Sonderborg airports, as well as the Skrydstrup Airbase, home to Denmark’s F-16 and F-35 fighter jets. The incursions have raised serious concerns about the vulnerabilities of European airspace, especially in light of ongoing tensions with Russia.
Danish police confirmed they increased security measures at affected airports and critical infrastructure. The incidents come just after Denmark announced a boost to its military budget aimed at addressing pressing security deficiencies. “This shows at least that we do not have the capacity at present to prevent the intrusion of drones over our airports,” stated Peter Viggo Jakobsen, an associate professor at the Royal Danish Defence College.
The drone sightings were reported near North Sea oil fields, with vessels from civil rescue company Esvagt observing unidentified drones flying over the North Sea late Wednesday. Local authorities are under pressure to enhance defensive measures after these incursions, which many see as a systematic threat rather than isolated incidents.
Latvia’s Foreign Minister stressed the urgency of investing in counter-drone technology. “We will wait for further assessments from our Danish colleagues, but it’s very clear on the allies’ side… we all have to invest in counter-drone capability,” Braze stated during discussions at the United Nations General Assembly.
Despite the significant disruption, Danish authorities opted not to shoot down the drones due to safety concerns, further highlighting the limitations in their current preparedness. “It certainly does not look like a coincidence. It looks systematic. This is what I would define as a hybrid attack,” Defence Minister Poulsen remarked.
As Denmark contemplates whether to invoke NATO’s Article 4, which allows member states to consult on security concerns, the implications of these drone incursions are significant for regional security. Poland recently activated this article after downing suspected Russian drones, while Estonia did so following a violation of its airspace by Russian military jets.
The situation remains fluid, and as authorities continue to investigate, further developments are expected. This incident underscores the pressing need for NATO allies to reassess their defense capabilities in an increasingly hostile environment.
