Unidentified Drones Disrupt Air Traffic in Denmark, Sparking Security Concerns
In a wave of recent incidents, unidentified drones have been spotted in the airspace of several Danish airports, causing temporary shutdowns and raising alarm about potential hybrid attacks. Aalborg Airport in the north of Denmark was the latest to be affected, with airspace closures occurring twice within a week due to drone sightings. The incidents have led to intensified investigations and a heightened state of alert in the country.
Background
The repeated drone sightings began on Monday, with multiple drones observed near airports in Aalborg, Esbjerg, Sonderborg, and Skrydstrup, according to reports by RT (Russia Today). Aalborg Airport, which serves both commercial and military flights, was closed twice within a week due to these sightings, as reported by Ukrinform and Le Monde. The Danish authorities have struggled to identify these drones, their origin, or their purpose, despite thorough investigations and assistance from the armed forces.
Recent Developments
The situation escalated when Denmark's largest airport, Copenhagen Airport, had to suspend flights and close its airspace due to the sightings of large drones. The closure affected around 30 departures and 20,000 passengers, as mentioned by The Hindu and RT (Russia Today). The drones disappeared after a few hours, and the airport resumed operations early the next day.
Shortly after the Copenhagen incident, Aalborg Airport had its airspace closed again due to similar sightings, as reported by The Guardian and ANSA. Despite thorough investigations, the North Jutland Police Chief Christian Tilsted stated, We have thoroughly investigated the area, and we have not found anything,
according to Kyiv Independent.
Reactions and Implications
Denmark's Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen described the drone flights as the most serious attack on Danish critical infrastructure
to date, as noted by South China Morning Post. In a rare TV address, she warned that Denmark and Europe might face more violent and frequent hybrid attacks, signaling a new reality that the country has to contend with.
Reports from Ukrinform and the South China Morning Post suggested a possible link between the drone incidents and Russia, noting that a ship of the Russian Baltic Fleet was present near Denmark's territorial waters during the drone raids, and that similar drone incursions had occurred in Norway, Poland, and Romania.
The Danish authorities have not officially confirmed these suspicions, and similar drone sightings have been reported in northern Germany, as per Kyiv Independent and TASS, sparking fears of potential espionage or sabotage.
Current Status
Denmark's critical infrastructure vulnerability in the face of these unidentified drone sightings has raised concerns about the country's readiness to respond to such threats. As the authorities continue to investigate these incidents, the source and purpose of the drones remain unknown. The nation remains on high alert, bracing for the possibility of future disruptions.