Denmark will close its airspace to civilian drones this week following disturbances near military bases on Friday and at Copenhagen airport last week.
With the European Council meeting in Copenhagen on Wednesday to discuss defense and Ukraine, followed by a European Political Community gathering in the city the following day, authorities have acted to safeguard both events.
“We cannot accept that foreign drones create uncertainty and disruption in society as we have experienced recently,” Transport Minister Thomas Danielsen said in a statement. “Denmark will host EU leaders next week, where we must have extra focus on safety.”
In addition, a German frigate — the FSG Hamburg — has arrived in Copenhagen to assist with airspace surveillance.
Denmark has been plagued by drones of unidentified origin for the last week, with Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen declaring that Europe is “at hybrid war.” Many signs point to Russian involvement.
The Danish Defense Ministry confirmed that drones were spotted at several of its premises overnight on Friday.
“We are currently in a difficult security situation,” said Defense Minister Troels Lund Poulsen in a statement announcing the drone ban. “We must ensure the best possible working conditions for the Armed Forces and the Police when they are responsible for security during the EU summit.”
Russian drones and aircraft, respectively, have also violated Polish and Estonian airspace in recent weeks. Poland scrambled jets and closed some of its airspace Sunday during an attack by Russia on neighboring Ukraine, in anticipation of further incursions that did not occur.
Companies will be able to apply for exemptions from the ban “in very special cases” by contacting the Transport Ministry, a statement on its website said. Flying drones between Monday and Friday will be punishable by a fine or up to two years in prison.
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