Danish PM warns of “hybrid war” after drone attacks shut down airports

Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen issued a stark warning, declaring that a “hybrid war” has begun in Europe following a series of drone incursions that forced the temporary closure of major airports across Denmark this week.

Authorities in Denmark shut down two key airports on September 24 overnight after detecting unauthorized drones in the airspace, which Copenhagen described as a “hybrid attack” orchestrated by a “professional actor.” Similar drone sightings have been reported at several other airports nationwide. Earlier in the week, both Copenhagen and Oslo airports were closed due to drone activities, resulting in widespread flight cancellations and stranding thousands of passengers, POLITICO reports.

Addressing the nation in a video posted on social media, Frederiksen said, “We are at the beginning of a hybrid war against Europe.” She cautioned that such attacks are likely to continue: “I think we are going to see more of it ... We see the pattern, and it does not look good.”

While Danish authorities have yet to identify the perpetrators, Frederiksen pointedly suggested that Russia is behind the attacks. “We can at least state that there is primarily one country that poses a threat to Europe’s security — and that is Russia,” she said.

Europe has recently faced multiple airspace violations involving Russian jets and drones. NATO members Estonia and Poland convened urgent talks after accusing Russia of violating their airspace in separate incidents. Moscow has denied responsibility, calling the Estonian incursion false and the Polish drone crossing an accident.

Despite increased vigilance, drones continued to disrupt Danish airspace, with Aalborg Airport in northern Denmark briefly closing for the second consecutive night on September 25 due to suspected drone activity.

Frederiksen said she could not promise "no drones will cross the border" but added Copenhagen had "raised the alert level" and was stepping up its drone-repelling defences.

She also revealed that Ukraine is providing expertise to combat drone threats.

Earlier this month, Denmark announced its largest-ever arms purchase: the Franco-Italian SAMP/T air defence system for 58 billion Danish kroner (€7.7 billion).

Closing her address, Frederiksen stressed the importance of increased defence spending in Europe. “That is why we are expanding the European defence industry, and that is why we are building up the defence industry in Denmark,” she said. “The events of recent days emphasize how important this is.”

By Vafa Guliyeva