Drone overflights disrupted Danish airspace for the second time this week, prompting officials to warn of a coordinated “hybrid attack” targeting the country’s critical infrastructure.
Authorities confirmed that Aalborg Airport, used by both civilian passengers and the Danish armed forces, was forced to close Wednesday night after drones were spotted nearby. Additional sightings were reported over Esbjerg, Sønderborg, and Fighter Wing Skrydstrup, home to Denmark’s F-16 fighter jets.
Justice Minister Peter Hummelgaard said the government would propose new legislation allowing infrastructure owners to shoot down drones and plans to acquire enhanced detection systems. Defense Minister Troels Lund Poulsen called the incidents “a systematic operation in many locations at virtually the same time,” saying it suggested the work of a professional actor. He described the events as a “hybrid attack using different types of drones,” while noting there is no direct evidence linking Russia.
Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen called the flights “a serious attack against critical infrastructure,” adding she could not rule out Russian involvement. The Kremlin rejected the accusations as “baseless,” and Russia’s embassy in Denmark dismissed the reports as a “staged provocation.”
The incidents follow Monday night’s temporary shutdown of Copenhagen Airport and Norway’s Oslo Airport. Both capitals sit along the Skagerrak and Kattegat straits, vital shipping lanes between the North Sea and the Baltic.
Police said they are investigating whether drones may have been launched from nearby vessels. Three Russian-linked tankers were identified as potential sources, including the Pushpa, part of Moscow’s so-called “shadow fleet.” The vessel, also known as Boracay and sailing under Benin’s flag, was near Aalborg during the latest incidents.
NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte said allies were working with Denmark “to ensure the safety and security of our critical infrastructure.”
