Military airbases in Denmark and Norway reported drone sightings near their facilities, in the latest incursions. UAVs were spotted close to Denmark’s Karup airbase, prompting the brief closure of civil airspace.
The incident took place on Friday around 8.15pm local time and lasted several hours, duty officer Simon Skelsjaer told news agency AFP. He added that police were unable to comment on where the drones had come from, as they had not shot them down. The Danish military is cooperating with police, as they investigate the incursion.
Karup is the main airbase of the Royal Danish Airforce, where some 3,500 people are employed.
It is the home to all of the Danish Armed Forces’ helicopters, airspace surveillance and parts of the Danish Defence Command.
The Danish Defence Ministry said drones were sighted near multiple military installations overnight. However, officials refused to specify the exact locations and said they would not be commenting further.
Last night’s incident is just the latest in a series of unaccounted drone activity in Denmark, sparking fears of potential Russian involvement.
On Monday, Copenhagen Airport was forced to close its airspace for several hours, due to drone activity. This was followed by similar disruptions at Aalborg and Billund airports on Wednesday night.
Officials suspect that the drone incursions could be part of a Russian operation targeting Nato countries supporting Ukraine.
Denmark’s defence mister described the incursions as “hybrid attacks” carried out by a “professional actor”.
Police in Norway said they were also investigating possible drone sightings at Orland airbase in the west of the country, where its F-35 fighter jets are stationed.
Flights at Vilnius airport in Lithuania were similarly disrupted on Friday, after the detection of drones.