Denmark calls in Nato aid for EU summit after drone incursions
Danish leader Mette Frederiksen has linked the drone incursions to Russia’s efforts to destabilise Europe, an accusation Moscow denies
Denmark is receiving security help from Nato allies ahead of a high-level meeting of European leaders in Copenhagen this week after a wave of drone incursions disrupted civilian and military sites.
Germany, France and Sweden are sending reinforcements, with troops, anti-drone capabilities, radar systems and a helicopter among the support dispatched to the Danish capital after a string of drone incidents across airports and airbases over the past week.
The sightings of large, professional-grade drones forced the temporary closure of several Danish airports, among them Copenhagen’s main hub. Over the weekend, military authorities again reported new activity near several defence facilities.
The incidents have triggered a major police investigation and led the government to impose a five-day ban on civilian drones to avoid confusion with potential hostile activity.
European Union leaders are to gather for an informal summit on Wednesday and a meeting of the European Political Community on Thursday, bringing together a broader group of European leaders.
Although investigators have yet to identify the source of the incursions, Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen has linked it to Russia’s efforts to destabilise Europe, an accusation Russia denies.