A wave of drone sightings over Danish airports has disrupted operations and heightened regional tensions, with officials warning of possible “hybrid attacks” linked to Russia.

On Friday, Aalborg Airport in northern Denmark was forced to close temporarily after a suspected drone intrusion, the second disruption in just hours. The airport had already been shut down earlier in the week following similar sightings. North Jutland police inspector Jesper Bojgaard Madsen said authorities were unable to bring down the drones, which “flew over a very large area for several hours.”

Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen condemned the incidents as deliberate attempts to destabilize Denmark. “There is one main country that poses a threat to Europe’s security, and it is Russia,” she said in a video statement, warning that such operations could intensify. Moscow, however, dismissed the allegations, with the Russian Embassy in Copenhagen calling the claims “a staged provocation.”

The activity began Wednesday, with drones reported over airports in Aalborg, Esbjerg, and Sonderborg, as well as the Skrydstrup air base. The coordinated nature of the incidents led Defence Minister Troels Lund Poulsen to describe them as “the work of a professional actor.” While he said there was “no direct military threat,” he noted that the pattern pointed to systematic planning.

Denmark’s intelligence chief, Finn Borch, emphasized that the risk of Russian sabotage in Denmark remained “high.” Justice Minister Peter Hummelgaard echoed that assessment, saying the drone flights were meant “to spread fear, create division, and frighten us.”

The concerns mirror similar incidents across Europe. In recent months, Norway, Poland, Romania, and Estonia have also reported drone flights or airspace violations, often coinciding with the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war.

Denmark has already stepped up its response. The government is weighing whether to invoke NATO’s Article 4 for urgent consultations with allies, and Frederiksen has spoken directly with NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte. French President Emmanuel Macron has also pledged support to help secure Danish airspace. Meanwhile, Copenhagen is moving ahead with plans to purchase advanced drone detection and neutralization systems.

The incidents come just days before Denmark is set to host a European Union summit, where leaders are expected to discuss proposals for a coordinated anti-drone defense system along the EU’s eastern borders. The government has also recently announced plans to acquire long-range precision weapons, citing Russia as a long-term strategic challenge.

For now, Danish police, military intelligence, and armed forces are continuing their investigations as the country braces for further possible disruptions. (ILKHA)