Denmark’s military intelligence agency warns that Russia is waging an ongoing hybrid war in Denmark, targeting both critical infrastructure and naval operations through a range of tactics, from cyberattacks and drone incursions to physical intimidation at sea.
Heightened Hybrid Threats from Russia
Russia is intensifying its hybrid warfare against Denmark and other Western nations, according to Denmark’s Defense Intelligence Service (FE). The agency reports that Denmark has already faced a series of attacks over recent months, including drone intrusions, GPS disruptions, and temporary shutdowns at major airports, incidents widely covered in the Danish media. These actions are designed to intimidate, destabilize, and probe NATO’s response thresholds without triggering open conflict.
In a rare media briefing alongside Defense Minister Troels Lund Poulsen, FE director Thomas Ahrenkiel outlined key threats targeting Denmark. These include Russian warships maneuvering dangerously close to Danish naval vessels, cyberattacks on critical infrastructure, and jamming of GPS systems affecting both civilian and military operations.
Russian Naval Hostility in Danish Waters
FE has documented multiple instances of Russian warships deliberately navigating near Danish naval vessels in the Danish Straits. In some cases, Russian crews have directed fire-control radars and onboard weapons toward Danish forces, escalating tensions and raising concerns about maritime safety.
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A Russian landing ship was recently observed anchored south of Langeland, a strategic location in the Baltic Sea. Intelligence analysts suggest this deployment aims to intimidate Denmark and assert pressure on enforcement of international maritime regulations, including inspection of Russia’s so-called “shadow fleet,” which is used to circumvent sanctions.
Hybrid War in Denmark: Widespread Drone and Infrastructure Incidents
The hybrid threats extend beyond naval encounters. Denmark has experienced multiple drone sightings near sensitive facilities, temporary airport closures, and repeated disruptions to energy and communication networks. Between October 2023 and January 2024, around 50 GPS disruption events were recorded, affecting civilian navigation, commercial flights, and military operations.
These incidents reflect a pattern of increasingly sophisticated hybrid tactics, combining digital, aerial, and physical tools to create operational and psychological strain across Danish society.
Cyberattacks and Sabotage Amid Hybrid War in Denmark
FE reports that Russian-affiliated actors are actively targeting Denmark’s critical infrastructure. Notable incidents include a cyberattack on a water facility in December 2024, causing widespread service disruption. Similar operations have targeted transportation, energy, and communications systems, highlighting the breadth of Russia’s hybrid campaign.
Beyond Denmark, Russian-linked groups such as the Wagner Group have employed criminal networks in Western Europe to carry out sabotage operations, emphasizing the transnational reach of these hybrid threats.
Strategic Goals and NATO Implications
Denmark’s intelligence assessment indicates that Russia is not seeking outright military conflict with Denmark or NATO allies at this time. Rather, the objective appears to be psychological pressure, eroding public confidence, forcing strategic hesitation, and testing defense boundaries. The confirmation that Russian warships are now directly targeting Danish naval vessels signals an escalation in tactics, combining traditional military threats with ongoing hybrid operations.
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FE warns that hybrid attacks, including drone incursions, cyber disruptions, and maritime provocations, are likely to increase in both frequency and sophistication in the coming months.
Ongoing Protection and Coordination
In response, Danish authorities are strengthening collaboration with NATO and Nordic partners. Surveillance and security measures have intensified around key maritime routes, energy infrastructure, and transportation hubs. The Cyber and Information Security Agency is coordinating with municipal utilities and private operators to safeguard critical systems, including aviation navigation and water supply.
Denmark, as both a NATO member and a frontline Baltic state, emphasizes that defense now encompasses not only traditional military readiness but also the protection of digital borders, infrastructure, and national resilience against psychological and hybrid warfare.
