Denmark’s Prime Minister has declared the country is under hybrid attack following a series of drone incidents, and identified Russia as Europe’s primary threat in this unfolding situation.
Denmark Under Hybrid Attack
A wave of drone-related incidents in Denmark over the past week has prompted Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen to issue a stark warning: the nation is facing a form of hybrid warfare. Hybrid war refers to a strategy that blends conventional warfare, cyber attacks, propaganda, and irregular tactics including sabotage and espionage. The Prime Minister emphasized that this is just the beginning of a prolonged and complex struggle designed to destabilize not just Denmark, but the broader European region.
The latest incidents involve multiple unauthorized drone flights, including over critical locations such as Copenhagen Airport and energy infrastructure sites. These intrusions have disrupted regular operations and raised concerns over national security and preparedness.
Russia Identified as Central Threat
Despite Danish law enforcement and military authorities abstaining from assigning direct blame for the attacks, Prime Minister Frederiksen publicly pointed to Russia as the principal adversary behind the ongoing destabilization attempts. She cited a pattern of behavior that includes both kinetic acts like the war in Ukraine and non-traditional tactics such as cyber intrusions and disinformation campaigns.
Russia has been linked to several hybrid actions targeting European states in recent years. Earlier this month, NATO released a statement warning member nations about increased Russian activity involving sabotage and surveillance, particularly in the Nordic and Baltic regions. Denmark’s latest experiences appear to fall in line with this trend.
Government Urges Calm While Strengthening Defenses
The Prime Minister cautioned against panic and public in-fighting while investigations proceed. She emphasized that hybrid attacks thrive on sowing distrust and confusion within democratic societies. Denmark, she explained, must remain united and let the relevant institutions carry out their work without undue criticism or interference.
She acknowledged that while Danish authorities have advanced technologies and experience in drone defense, recent events show that some capabilities need to be updated or expanded. The government is now taking steps to evaluate and improve equipment procurement, particularly systems capable of detecting and neutralizing unmanned aircrafts in sensitive areas.
Drone Incidents Escalate Tensions
The recent drone intrusions represent a significant escalation in the pattern of hybrid actions reported in Denmark. On June 18, drone activity was observed near multiple energy installations, including wind turbine facilities and gas distribution hubs. While no damage was reported, the incidents disrupted operations and prompted a temporary lockdown of affected sites.
A total of five confirmed drone sightings were registered in just a span of three days. Danish Defense Intelligence Service (FE) is coordinating with allied intelligence partners to track the origins of these devices and to assess whether they likely stem from a state-sponsored campaign.
Support for Police and Military on the Way
The Danish government is fast-tracking the allocation of resources to law enforcement and the Danish Armed Forces with the aim of strengthening national readiness. The Defense Ministry has confirmed plans to invest in both anti-drone technologies and in mobile units that can respond more rapidly to airspace violations.
The Prime Minister also hinted at plans to borrow key equipment from allies to meet current demands while long-term procurement strategies are finalized.
Denmark Not Alone in Facing Hybrid Threats
Denmark is not the only European country grappling with such threats. In recent months, Sweden, Finland, and Poland have also reported increases in drone surveillance and suspected sabotage activities tied to foreign intelligence efforts.
A 2023 EU security report found that over 60% of EU member states had experienced at least one confirmed hybrid action targeting critical infrastructure in the past two years, underscoring the shifting nature of security challenges on the continent.
As tensions between Russia and the West intensify amid the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, hybrid warfare is expected to play a growing role in geopolitical confrontation. Denmark’s situation is now a key case study in how smaller nations within Europe must adapt both their defense posture and public resilience strategies for an unpredictable and invisible battlefield.
