Denmark has raised security alerts after drones were spotted over several of its military facilities, including the country’s largest airbase, Karup. The incidents, which authorities described as a possible “hybrid attack,” follow a week of drone incursions that disrupted air traffic across northern Europe and triggered speculation about potential Russian involvement.
The latest incident occurred on Friday evening, when drones were observed flying above Karup airbase around 20:15 local time (18:15 GMT), according to duty officer Simon Skelsjaer. The airspace above the base was briefly closed to civil aviation, though no commercial flights were affected at the time. The drones remained in the area for several hours before disappearing.
Authorities confirmed that drones were also sighted near other military sites overnight, but declined to disclose specific locations. The Defence Ministry said it would not comment further, citing the sensitivity of the ongoing investigation. Police, working alongside the Danish military, said they could not determine the origin of the drones as none were intercepted.
Karup airbase, home to Denmark’s helicopter fleet, airspace surveillance, and sections of Defence Command, employs around 3,500 personnel. The facility plays a critical role in national defense, amplifying concerns over the apparent targeting.
Regional Spread of Drone Sightings
The incidents come just days after drones disrupted flights at several Danish airports. Copenhagen airport was forced to close for several hours on Monday following multiple drone sightings. Two days later, Aalborg and Billund airports also temporarily shut down, while three smaller airports reported activity but continued operations.
The wave of suspicious activity has spread beyond Denmark’s borders. On Friday, Germany’s interior ministry confirmed it was investigating reports of drones over Schleswig-Holstein, the northern region bordering Denmark. Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt described the threat from drones as “high” and said the issue would be discussed with European partners next month.
In Norway, police are probing sightings near Ørland airbase, which houses the country’s fleet of F-35 fighter jets. Lithuania’s state media reported delays at Vilnius airport on Friday due to suspected drone activity near its airspace.
Suspicions of Russian Involvement
While Danish officials have not directly accused Moscow, speculation about Russian involvement has mounted, given the country’s past use of so-called hybrid warfare. Hybrid attacks combine military and non-military tactics to undermine infrastructure and institutions. Defence Minister Troels Lund Poulsen said the incursions appeared to be the work of a “professional actor” but suggested they were likely launched locally.
The Russian embassy in Copenhagen dismissed any links, calling the allegations “absurd speculations” and describing the incidents as “staged provocations.” Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov similarly branded suspicions of Russian involvement “unfounded.”
Elsewhere in Europe, NATO members Estonia, Poland, and Romania have recently reported violations of their airspace by Russian drones or aircraft. Estonia and Poland formally requested consultations with NATO allies last week after separate incursions.
Following Monday’s incident in Copenhagen, Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen said Russian involvement “could not be ruled out,” underscoring the unease spreading across the region.
