Denmark has reached out to NATO following a drone incident at one of its airports. Inbound flights to Aalborg Airport in Denmark were redirected last night after the base, which is also utilized by the military, closed down due to the presence of drones in its airspace.
Authorities stated that drones were sighted near Aalborg airport, leading to the closure of airspace. Police are on-site conducting investigations as the drones were seen flying with illuminated lights.
The Danish government has informed NATO about the intrusion but has not yet confirmed the activation of Article 4, which allows a member state to raise concerns about territorial sovereignty threats. This provision is distinct from Article 5, which pertains to collective defense where an attack on one member is viewed as an attack on all.
Danish Minister of Defence, Troels Lund Poulsen, labeled the drone incident as a “hybrid attack” likely orchestrated by a proficient entity. He mentioned that the drones appeared to have been launched locally, indicating a shorter distance of origin.
Poulsen emphasized that there is currently no evidence linking Russia to the incident. However, Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen suggested that Russian involvement cannot be dismissed, especially considering a recent attack at Copenhagen Airport.
During a morning press briefing, Poulsen emphasized the sophistication of the operation, referring to it as a “hybrid attack” involving various drone types across multiple locations simultaneously.
He mentioned that the Danish armed forces had the capability to intercept the drones but refrained from doing so to prevent risks to civilians.
This incident follows the recent closure of Copenhagen Airport after drones were spotted, causing significant disruptions. Reports indicated the presence of up to three autonomous unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) in the airport’s airspace, prompting a swift response from law enforcement.
