COPENHAGEN, Denmark (AP) — On Sunday, Denmark’s Ministry of Defense reported that drones were again detected in some of its military locations. The day after, the NATO Alliance announced it would enhance vigilance in the Baltic Sea region.
The ministry stated, “several capabilities have been deployed” following the drone sightings from Saturday to Sunday night. However, details regarding the deployment, number of drones, or specific locations were not disclosed.
This marks the latest instance of unexplained drone activity, following multiple sightings near Danish airports last week, which raised security concerns in Northern Europe amid a suspected increase in Russian invasions.
After the NATO meeting in Riga, Latvia, Colonel Martin O’Donnell, spokesman for NATO’s European command, stated on Saturday that the alliance would “take further steps to strengthen vigilance with new multi-domain assets in the Baltic region, including Baltic Sentry, particularly in Denmark.”
He also indicated that NATO leaders were in continuous communication with Danish officials following the drone sightings.
As Denmark gears up for the upcoming European Union summit in Copenhagen, the Danish Ministry of Transport announced on Sunday that “all civil drones flying within Danish airspace will be prohibited,” aiming to “eliminate the potential confusion between enemy drones and legitimate drones.”
“Recent experiences have shown that foreign drones cannot be allowed to create uncertainty and disruption in society, especially with EU leaders visiting Denmark next week,” it continued.
“Violating the ban may result in fines or imprisonment for up to two years,” the statement added. This prohibition, however, does not extend to military drone operations, state aviation, including police and emergency drone activities, as well as local health-related drone operations.
On Sunday afternoon, the Danish Ministry of Defense announced that the German air defense frigate FSG Hamburg had arrived in Copenhagen. The ship is expected to enhance Danish airspace surveillance in light of the upcoming EU summit, according to the ministry. “The German frigates are part of NATO’s Baltic sensor initiative designed to reinforce the Alliance’s presence on its eastern flank.”
In a separate statement, Germany confirmed it would provide military support for the EU summit through “Countersmal’s Unmanned Aerial System Capabilities,” known as C-SUAS, which employs radar, optical, and acoustic technologies for detection.
Sweden has also announced its intention to lend military anti-drone capabilities to Denmark, although details remain sparse.
Concerns have escalated in Denmark following numerous reported drone sightings from citizens, though many have not been officially verified. Authorities are urging the public to report any suspicious activity to law enforcement.
Danish Justice Minister Peter Hummelgaard stated on September 25 that the drone activity aimed to instill fear and division among the populace. He is also exploring measures to neutralize drones, including potential legislation that would empower infrastructure owners to shoot them down.
The Danish Prime Minister, along with the NATO Secretary General, indicated last week that Russian involvement could not be dismissed. The Russian Embassy in Denmark subsequently denied any involvement in recent incidents.
In comments to Russian media released on Sunday, Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko warned that any NATO attempts to down a Russian or Belarusian aircraft would be met with an “immediate response.”
“Let them attempt and provoke. Or they could strike something in Russia near Kaliningrad. And naturally, there will have to be a counter-response, as if we possess nothing in Russia. Is this necessary? Certainly not,” he commented.
Lukashenko’s remarks came after Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov addressed the United Nations General Assembly on Saturday, asserting that Russia does not intend to attack Europe but will deliver a “decisive response” to any aggression.
“If there are serious violations of our territorial integrity and sovereignty, people will surely regret it,” Lavrov concluded.
Source: apnews.com