A wave of drone incidents across Jutland, western Denmark, has disrupted airports and military sites, revealing weaknesses in the country’s defenses. Aalborg and Billund airports closed briefly Wednesday night, with drones also spotted at Esbjerg, Sonderborg, Skrydstrup—home to F-35 and F-16 jets—and the Jutland Dragoon regiment in Holstebro. Further reports noted drone activity near North Sea oil and gas platforms and Korsor port. Aalborg airport shut again Thursday night after another suspected sighting.
Denmark, a NATO founding member, faces embarrassment over its exposed infrastructure in this era of hybrid warfare. Defense chiefs opted not to shoot down the drones, citing safety risks from falling debris, as seen in Poland when a NATO missile damaged a house. “When you shoot something down, it comes down again,” said defense chief Michael Hyldgaard. Police may attempt safe takedowns, and the military is prepared to act over bases if the threat justifies it, but no drones have been downed yet.
The government suspects a “professional actor” behind the systematic attacks, with Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen not ruling out Russia, though Moscow denies involvement, calling it a “staged provocation.” Denmark is considering invoking NATO’s Article 4 for consultation, as Estonia and Poland did after Russian airspace violations. Poland shot down 20 Russian drones, with Foreign Minister Radek Sikorski warning Moscow of consequences.
Experts like Kjeld Jensen from the University of South Denmark say shooting down drones over urban areas or airports risks fires from fuel or batteries. Peter Viggo Jakobsen of the Royal Danish Defence College calls the situation unsustainable, urging new solutions. Denmark lacks effective anti-drone tools but plans to invest in layered air defense and long-range weapons. A proposed “drone wall” with NATO allies and Ukraine aims to bolster early detection along the EU’s eastern borders.
The incidents, while causing no harm, disrupted airports, exposed military vulnerabilities, and forced a rushed press conference from officials. Police have heightened their crisis level, and the defense minister a “new reality” for Denmark’s security.
