Denmark Imposes Nationwide Drone Ban Amid Security Concerns for EU Summit

Denmark will prohibit all civilian drone flights nationwide this week in a bid to bolster security as Copenhagen prepares to host an EU summit featuring heads of state and government, according to the transport ministry on Sunday, September 27. This decision follows a series of mysterious drone sightings across Denmark beginning on September 22, which have led to the temporary closure of several airports. The Danish government has hinted at potential Russian involvement, a claim that Moscow has categorically denied. Drones were reported over Danish military sites during the night for the second consecutive day, prompting the military's statement. In anticipation of the EU summit scheduled for Wednesday and Thursday, Transport Minister Thomas Danielsen announced, "From Monday to Friday, we will close Danish airspace to all civilian drone flights. This measure is intended to eliminate the possibility of enemy drones being confused with legitimate ones." He added that any violation of this ban could lead to fines or imprisonment for up to two years. Justice Minister Peter Hummelgaard emphasized that the ban will streamline police operations, allowing them to focus on the safety of Danish citizens and visiting dignitaries without the distraction of monitoring civilian drones. The police have been on heightened alert following over 500 reports of drone sightings from the public, most of which were deemed inconsequential. The ban, however, will not interfere with military drone operations, as well as authorized drone activities from police and health services. In neighboring Norway, authorities are also examining drone sightings close to its largest military base, Orland, which houses F35 fighter jets. Furthermore, German officials have signaled intentions to empower their military to shoot down unidentified drones, following reports of a swarm over Schleswig-Holstein, a region neighboring Denmark. In light of these events, NATO has stepped up its vigilance in the Baltic area, enhancing its operational presence to better monitor the situation prompted by these intrusions. NATO’s spokesperson Martin O'Donnell disclosed that this includes several intelligence and reconnaissance platforms as well as an air defense frigate stationed west of Russia. The spate of drone sightings this past week comes on the heels of similar incursions into Polish and Romanian airspace and recent violations of Estonian airspace by Russian military jets, exacerbating tensions amid the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Despite ongoing investigations, Danish officials have yet to identify those responsible for the unauthorized drone flights. Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen has stated this week that Russia stands out as the primary threat to Europe’s security. However, Moscow continues to firmly reject any allegations of its involvement in the drone activities detected over Danish territories. Related Sources: • Source 1 • Source 2