Denmark has seen a number of unaccounted for drone sightings near important military sites. This has prompted Denmark to take additional security measures and heightened scrutiny across NATO’s Baltic operations. This type of activity raises concerns about potential surveillance and the potential for escalating geopolitical tensions.
No threats of an active hostile nature have been located
Danish authorities state that military drones have been detected around a number of defence establishments and even Denmark’s largest military base at Karup. The Danish Defence Command has begun to assess this phenomenon in an attempt to discern both the origin of the drone activity and the motivations behind its employment. The nature of these sightings has led to considerable speculation about the gathering of foreign surveillance intelligence.
Danish Defence Minister Troels Lund Poulsen remarked that the government is treating the issue with the utmost importance.
“We cannot exclude the possibility that this might be part of a more coordinated effort at tracking our military capabilities. We are working closely with our NATO allies and will determine a response.”
Drone sightings occur amidst a backdrop of heightened surveillance and defense by NATO
Due to Russia’s persistently militarized presence near the borders of NATO member states, there has been a marked increase in allied patrols, intelligence sharing, joint military exercises, and overall preparedness to counter threats. Denmark’s positioning between the North Sea and the Baltic Sea makes it a key part of NATO’s defense plans.
Although details of the sightings were classified as sensitive and the drones’ characteristics and tracks were not disclosed to the public, the Danish officials’ statement exemplified the importance of the details and the need for further inquiry. The cases are now the responsibility of the Danish Security and Intelligence Service (PET), which is in control of the investigation.
Denmark has placed limitations on the use of drones and has been following reports tied to drones and other surveillance technology. There are reports of drones near disruptive infrastructure. Energy and transport sectors. Most of the observed drones seem to be easily explained. However, the latest group of drones has warranted concern because of their proximity to military assets.
NATO officials confirm their support for Denmark and their efforts on surveillance
The worrying proximity of the drones to military assets has reignited public concern. “Would the legislation not somehow prevent the use of drones near military assets?” is a common concern. While the legislation to use a drone in Denmark requires it to be registered and flown within a certain distance of specific geographic areas, monitoring is highly ineffective.
Given their small size and low cost, experts caution that drones present serious problems when used for spying or sabotage. Jens Ringsmose, defense analyst says:
“Drones are a low-cost, low-risk means of obtaining intelligence. They can be used swiftly and covertly, making them perfect for testing a nation’s military readiness.”
In regard to the drone sightings, Denmark is said to be improving its counter-drone systems, which include patching radar systems and adding electronic jamming devices. Alongside these measures, the nation has also encouraged NATO to join efforts in establishing consolidated protocols for the detection and response to drones.
Danish officials are also asking the public to report any suspicious flying objects as the investigations unfold.
The drone sightings are a reminder of the changing face of threats to a nation and the need for proactive strategies to defend against such threats. Denmark’s situation also serves as a reminder that unmanned drones are a problem that should be closely monitored. As the security situation in the Baltic region tightens, Denmark is a perfect illustration of how unmanned, small drones can be used as highly effective military assets.