For nearly 30 years, Danish defense company Weibel Scientific has expanded its radar test site in Hørsholm without official approval. Local authorities have now deemed the facility illegal, and the case has been handed over to the police.
Illegal Defense Testing Site Revealed
For decades, Weibel Scientific carried out radar testing in Hørsholm, north of Copenhagen. The problem is that the company never received the necessary land-use permit. After a neighbor’s complaint in 2023, Hørsholm Municipality inspected the site and concluded that the test center violates zoning laws.
The land area is classified as rural, which means that any permanent buildings or test constructions require a specific rural zone permit. Weibel never obtained such approval, even though their operations gradually expanded from a few pipes in the ground in 1995 to several buildings, structures, and paved areas.
Weibel’s Argument and Government Response
Weibel insists it acted in good faith. Back in the mid-1990s, the former Frederiksborg County told them no permit was needed for a few testing pipes. Since then, the company believed it was authorized to continue developing the site.
Experts, however, say that a large industrial actor should know when new permits are required. The municipality has now ordered the company to either restore the property to its 1995 condition or submit a full application for legalization.
Interestingly, the company has turned to Denmark’s Ministry of Defense for help. Under a new law passed by the Danish Parliament, the ministry can override certain civilian regulations if national security or defense needs justify it. That law allows projects like weapons manufacturing, base construction, and testing facilities to bypass normal environmental and planning restrictions.
This move comes as Denmark strengthens its defense capabilities, including acquisitions like the addition of 16 more U.S. fighter jets to the national fleet.
A Long Administrative Struggle
Documents obtained through public records show that the municipality had been aware of the site for years but did not systematically inspect it. After receiving the complaint in 2023, inspectors discovered that Weibel had expanded significantly—far beyond the original testing setup.
Authorities warned the company that it must apply for permission or restore the site. In response, Weibel argued that the government had long known about the facilities and that shutting them down would threaten national security.
However, Hørsholm officials were not persuaded. They stressed that awareness of the activities does not replace formal approval and issued a legal order demanding that Weibel comply.
Attempt to Legalize and Expand
Facing the municipality’s decision, Weibel filed an application before the October 2025 deadline, seeking to legalize the existing facility and expand further. The proposed project included new radar testing areas, fencing, lighting installations, and a weather station.
The company emphasized that without the full facility, operations could not continue. It pointed to ongoing geopolitical tensions in Europe, the war in Ukraine, and growing NATO coordination as reasons why maintaining Denmark’s radar development capacity matters to both national and European security.
Still, the municipality rejected the request, stating that financial or business concerns cannot justify zoning exemptions. Officials gave Weibel until November 2025 to explain how they will correct the situation legally.
Police Involvement After Continued Activity
Despite the warnings, Weibel has continued testing. Another complaint in November 2025 prompted the municipality to inspect again. They found that two new test sites, still pending approval, were already in active use with trucks, radar units, and temporary facilities.
Local authorities demanded that Weibel stop all such activity by late November and physically remove the unauthorized equipment. After confirming ongoing operations, the municipality has now sent the case to the police.
According to both Weibel and the Ministry of Defense, an internal process has begun that might allow the company to continue its operations legally under defense authority oversight. For now, though, the test center remains under investigation.
Sources and References
The Danish Dream: Danish Defense Expands With 16 More U.S. Fighter Jets
DR: I Flere Årtier Har Dansk Forsvarsgigant Udvidet Testområde Uden Tilladelse – Nu Er Sagen Meldt Til Politiet
