In response to recent drone incursions that disrupted air traffic and raised security concerns, Denmark has received significant military support from France, Germany, and Sweden. The assistance aims to enhance security ahead of crucial European summits scheduled in Copenhagen this week.
Denmark will host EU leaders on Wednesday, October 4, 2023, followed by a summit of the broader, 47-member European Political Community on Thursday. The Danish government has already intensified security measures following the drone sightings, which forced the temporary closure of six Danish airports, including Copenhagen Airport, the busiest in the Nordic region. Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen referred to these incursions as a hybrid attack, indicating a serious threat to national security.
International Support and Military Deployments
Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson announced via social media platform X that Sweden would send Counter-Unmanned Aircraft Systems (Counter-UAS) to Denmark. In addition, he confirmed that Sweden has dispatched several radar systems to assist in monitoring the situation. The Swedish police will also contribute a significant force to support Denmark’s security efforts.
France has committed to sending a Fennec military helicopter, along with a team of 35 personnel dedicated to anti-drone operations. Meanwhile, Germany will deploy approximately 40 soldiers equipped with specialized equipment for detecting and defending against drones. A spokesperson for the German government confirmed that this operation will last until October 7.
Denmark’s government responded to the heightened threat by imposing a ban on civilian drone flights after multiple drones were spotted near military facilities. This decision comes amid increasing concerns about security, particularly as NATO member countries Estonia and Poland have reported incursions by Russian drones and military jets in their airspace.
Broader Implications for European Security
The NATO military alliance has acknowledged the evolving situation and is upgrading its operations in the Baltic Sea to enhance security measures. A German air defense frigate arrived in Copenhagen on Sunday to assist with airspace surveillance, illustrating the collaborative efforts to address these security challenges.
As tensions rise in the region, Prime Minister Frederiksen has suggested that Russia could be behind these drone activities, labeling it the primary nation posing a threat to European security. The Kremlin has firmly denied any involvement in the incidents affecting Denmark.
As Denmark prepares for the upcoming summits, the international military support reflects a unified stance among European nations to bolster security and address potential threats in the region. The cooperation among these countries underscores the importance of collective defense in the face of evolving security challenges.
