Multiple unidentified drones disrupted the airspace above Copenhagen’s airport on Monday night, sparking concerns about potential Russian involvement over Scandinavia’s largest airport. Police confirmed that the drones, numbering between two to three, did not pose any imminent threat and vanished after several hours. However, the incident led to significant air traffic disruptions at the airport.
Although the origin of the drones remained unclear, Danish Prime Minister and NATO’s secretary-general hinted at the possibility of Russian influence. Denmark, already on heightened alert due to its proximity to Russia, will participate in discussions on the European Union’s proposed “drone wall” alongside other frontline nations this Friday.
Describing it as the most severe attack on Danish critical infrastructure to date, Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen expressed deep concern. NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte refrained from directly implicating Russia, while Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov dismissed the accusations as baseless.
Authorities refrained from taking down the drones due to the high risk involved, given the presence of passengers, planes, and fuel depots at the airport. Jes Jespersen, a senior police inspector, labeled the drone operators as skilled individuals showcasing their abilities and potentially honing their techniques. The drones exhibited various flight patterns and lighting effects.
The drones seemingly covered significant distances to reach the airport, prompting investigations into their mode of transport, whether by land or possibly by sea. Flight operations at the airport resumed the next day, albeit with ongoing delays and cancellations.
With escalating Russian aggression in Northern Europe, security concerns have intensified. NATO issued a stern warning to Russia, vowing to defend its airspace against any further incursions following recent incidents involving Russian drones in Poland and fighter jets breaching Estonian airspace. The European Commission emphasized a pattern of Russian border testing and security challenges across the continent.
The encounter in Poland marked the first direct confrontation between NATO and Moscow since Russia’s incursion into Ukraine in February 2022, raising questions about the alliance’s readiness to counter Russian threats.
