In a decisive move to bolster national security, Denmark has declared its airspace off-limits to all civilian drone operations. This pre-emptive measure comes just before a crucial European Union defense summit scheduled for Copenhagen this week, prompted by a recent surge of unexplained drone sightings near airports that have amplified regional security anxieties.
Over the past week, Denmark joined several other European nations in reporting these mysterious drone appearances. These incidents led to immediate airport closures and significant travel chaos, sending ripples of alarm across a continent already on edge. Authorities have pointed fingers at undisclosed foreign entities, exacerbating a tense atmosphere previously heightened by recent Russian military aircraft incursions into the airspaces of Poland, Estonia, and Romania.
Citing these disturbing sightings, Danish Transport Minister Thomas Danielson announced the temporary closure of national airspace to civilian drones, effective Monday through Friday. This decision, he stated, is designed to ensure an “extra focus on safety” during the upcoming summit.
The two-day summit, convening European leaders in Copenhagen on Wednesday and Thursday, was specifically convened in the wake of the Russian airspace violations. Its agenda includes vital discussions on enhancing military readiness across the EU and solidifying collective support for Ukraine.
In a statement released Sunday, Minister Danielson clarified that the ban applies to all non-military drones, from recreational hobbyists to commercial operators like surveyors. He explained that this measure is crucial to prevent confusion between authorized and potentially hostile aerial devices, thereby streamlining security operations.
Echoing this sentiment, Danish Justice Minister Peter Hummelgaard emphasized that the ban’s primary goal is to “simplify security work for the police.” The statement also warned that any individuals found violating this prohibition could face severe penalties, including substantial fines or imprisonment for up to two years.
Beyond Denmark’s internal actions, other European nations have extended their assistance to help safeguard the high-stakes summit.
On Monday, the French defense ministry announced the temporary deployment of its troops, equipped with advanced anti-drone systems, to Denmark. This deployment, a clear demonstration of “European solidarity in defense against a serious threat,” aims to fortify security ahead of the gathering.
Furthermore, Sweden’s Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson confirmed via social media that his country has supplied Denmark with powerful radar systems. The Swedish military has also been instructed to assist with anti-drone measures for the summit.
Despite these proactive steps, Denmark has refrained from officially identifying the party responsible for the drone flights. However, Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen has characterized these incidents as the “most serious attack so far” on Denmark’s vital infrastructure, underscoring the gravity of the situation.