Denmark Bans Civilian Drones Amid Unexplained Sightings Over Military Sites
Denmark has imposed a nationwide ban on all civilian drone flights in response to a series of unexplained drone sightings over military facilities and airports. This security measure comes as Copenhagen prepares to host a summit of the European Union (EU) this week, with heads of government from across the continent expected to attend.
Flight Disruptions and Security Concerns
Mysterious drone sightings across Denmark since September 22 have led to the temporary closure of several airports, including Copenhagen Airport, the busiest in the Nordic region, and dual-use Aalborg Airport, which also serves as a military base. Large drone sightings have also disrupted major airports in Norway, with authorities in both countries cooperating to determine any link between the incidents.
According to the Danish Armed Forces, drones were observed over Danish military sites for the second consecutive day, with media outlets reporting similar incidents in the airspace of Lithuania and Finland on September 27. Denmark's defence ministry further confirmed the presence of drones at several of its armed forces locations without giving additional details.
Possible Foreign Involvement
Denmark has hinted at possible Russian involvement in these incidents, a charge that Moscow has firmly denied. Despite several hours of monitoring and assistance from the Danish armed forces, the unidentified drones remained a mystery, raising questions about their origins, purpose, and possible links to foreign powers.
In Denmark, police launched an intensive investigation to determine the nature of these drones. “The police have launched an intensive investigation to determine what kind of drones these are,” Copenhagen police deputy assistant commissioner Jakob Hansen said. However, no arrests have been made and the drones have since disappeared.
EU Summit and Civilian Drone Ban
In light of these developments, Denmark's transport ministry announced a ban on all civilian drone flights across the country to ensure security while hosting the EU summit. The ban is a response not only to the recent drone incursions but also to the broader security challenges posed by unmanned aircraft hovering over sensitive military sites and disrupting air traffic.
The temporary ban will affect the gathering of heads of EU governments amid this spate of drone incursions. The EU summit and a meeting of the European Political Community, a wider gathering of leaders from across the continent, are expected to take place in Copenhagen this week.
Ongoing Investigations and Future Implications
As of now, the investigations into these incidents are ongoing, and the identity and intent behind these drones remain unknown. The widespread flight disruptions and the subsequent drone ban underscore the challenge of securing airspace in an age of increasingly accessible and sophisticated drone technology, especially ahead of high-profile international events like the EU summit.
With this ban, Denmark joins a growing list of countries grappling with the security implications of civilian drone usage. It remains to be seen how this incident will shape the country's future drone regulations and its diplomatic relations, particularly with Russia, as investigations continue.