Danish authorities detected multiple drones over military sites overnight. In response, they banned all civilian drones for the week. Meanwhile, the incidents come as Copenhagen prepares to host two major European summits.

Drones Spotted Over Military Sites

On Sunday, Denmark’s defence ministry confirmed that drones flew over several armed forces locations on Saturday night. However, the ministry did not provide more details.

To ensure security, the transport ministry announced a temporary ban on civilian drones. This measure covers the upcoming EU summit and the European Political Community meeting, which brings together leaders from across Europe.

The ministry explained that the ban will “remove the risk that enemy drones can be confused with legal drones and vice versa.” Moreover, it warned that violators could face fines or up to two years in prison.

Denmark is not alone. Recently, drone incursions have occurred in Poland and Romania, and a Russian jet entered Estonian airspace. All of these events come amid Russia’s ongoing attacks on Ukraine.

Reinforcing Air Defences

In response to the growing threat, a German air defence frigate, FSG Hamburg, arrived in Copenhagen on Sunday. The frigate will help monitor Denmark’s airspace during the summits. It is part of NATO’s “Baltic Sentry” mission. Additionally, NATO plans to strengthen the mission after past incidents damaged Baltic Sea infrastructure, including power cables and pipelines.

A NATO spokesperson said the alliance will maintain “even more enhanced vigilance” in the Baltic region, including Denmark. Furthermore, NATO launched “Eastern Sentry” earlier this month to protect Europe’s eastern flank from Russian drone incursions into Polish airspace.

European Leaders Respond

Amid these tensions, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy spoke with Norway’s Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre about the “increasing incidents with Russian drones over Europe.” Zelenskyy added, “The unity of Europeans will definitely provide an answer to this threat.”

Russia continues its attacks on Ukraine. Recently, it launched hundreds of drones and missiles at Kyiv and other cities over 12 hours, killing at least four people. However, the Kremlin denied targeting NATO countries deliberately.

Denmark’s Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen said authorities are still investigating a drone incursion that temporarily shut Copenhagen airport. She noted that Russian involvement could not be ruled out. In response, Russia dismissed her comments as “unfounded allegations.”

NATO Vows Strong Response

Meanwhile, NATO military committee chair Adm Giuseppe Cavo Dragone said any threat to NATO air, land, or sea space will receive a “resolute and proportionate response.” When asked about upgrading NATO’s air policing in the Baltic to full air defence, he said the origin of the drones is still under investigation. He added, “This could be an option, depending on what the final assessment” finds.

Overall, Denmark’s civilian drone ban and NATO reinforcements reflect Europe’s heightened security measures as leaders gather for critical summits amid rising tensions with Russia.