New drone sightings over Denmark's biggest military base
Unidentified drones were spotted flying over several Danish military installations, including the country’s largest base, in what officials are describing as part of a “hybrid attack” that may involve Russia.
A Danish military spokesman confirmed that drones were observed overnight at “several military sites” but declined to provide further details. Police reported that “one to two drones” were seen around 8:15 pm Friday near and over the Karup military base, Denmark’s largest, which houses the armed forces’ helicopters, flight school, airspace surveillance, and key support functions. Karup also hosts parts of the defence command and shares its runways with Midtjylland civilian airport, which was briefly closed during the incident. No flights were affected as none were scheduled at that time.
Police spokesman Simon Skelkjaer said investigators have not determined the drones’ origin and confirmed they were not taken down. Police are working closely with the military to identify those responsible.
This latest episode follows a wave of drone sightings across Denmark since Monday that have forced the closure of several airports. Earlier this week, drone activity also shut down Oslo’s airport for several hours, while Poland and Romania reported drone incursions, and Estonian airspace was violated by Russian fighter jets, further escalating regional tensions amid Russia’s ongoing invasion of Ukraine.
Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen stated Thursday that “Denmark has been the victim of hybrid attacks” in recent days, pointing to Russia as the most likely culprit: “There is one main country that poses a threat to Europe’s security, and it is Russia.” Defence Minister Troels Lund Poulsen said the flights appeared to be “the work of a professional actor.”
Moscow has strongly denied involvement, calling the incidents “a staged provocation.” Danish Justice Minister Peter Hummelgaard suggested the aim was “to spread fear, create division and frighten us.”
The incidents come shortly after Denmark announced plans to acquire long-range precision weapons for the first time, citing Russia as a long-term threat. Copenhagen also pledged to develop improved systems to detect and neutralise drones.
In response, EU defence ministers on Friday made building a “drone wall” a priority for the bloc. EU Defence Commissioner Andrius Kubilius urged swift action, saying Europe must “learn from Ukraine” and move quickly to strengthen anti-drone defences.
Denmark said it has accepted Sweden’s offer of anti-drone technology to secure next week’s EU summit in Copenhagen.
