This marks the second such incident in Denmark in as many days, contributing to broader concerns among European leaders about the vulnerability of the continent’s airspace amid heightened tensions between Russia and NATO. In response to the drone activity, Denmark’s Prime Minister discussed the matter with NATO’s Secretary General, emphasising the need for collective action to strengthen regional security.

Germany’s Chancellor urged NATO to maintain strong deterrence, noting recent warnings issued to Russia that the alliance is prepared to respond with both military and non-military measures if needed.

Russia has denied any involvement in the drone incidents, calling speculation about its role “absurd.”

Poland recently intercepted drones suspected to be of Russian origin, and Estonia also took action after an airspace breach by Russian aircraft. While Denmark chose not to shoot down any drones—citing safety concerns—it has not ruled out invoking NATO’s Article 4, which allows for formal consultations when a member perceives a threat to its security.

The overnight drone activity forced a three-hour shutdown of Aalborg Airport and a one-hour closure at Billund, Denmark’s second-largest airport. Additional sightings were reported near other airports and military sites in western Jutland, including areas housing Denmark’s F-16 and F-35 fighter jets. A separate military facility in Holstebro also reported drone activity.

Offshore, drones were reportedly observed flying over the North Sea, including near oil fields, raising further alarm about potential surveillance or interference with critical infrastructure.

A defence expert noted that the repeated incursions highlight significant gaps in Denmark’s ability to monitor and defend its airspace against drone threats.

In response to rising security concerns, Denmark has increased its defence spending and recently announced plans to acquire long-range precision weapons. The government’s decision to support Ukrainian missile fuel production near one of its key airbases has also drawn criticism from Russia.

The drones involved in this latest incident appeared to follow a pattern similar to those spotted near Copenhagen earlier in the week. Authorities have since stepped up their presence around affected airports and other sensitive sites.

Denmark’s top military commander acknowledged that while the armed forces possess a range of capabilities, their current ability to counter drone threats remains limited.

Opposition lawmakers criticised the government’s preparedness, arguing that despite substantial defence funding, the country is struggling with basic protection of its infrastructure.

The Prime Minister described the recent drone incidents as the most serious threat so far to the country’s critical infrastructure. While direct evidence is lacking, she and several analysts have linked the activity to a broader pattern of suspected Russian drone operations across Europe.

Earlier in the week, Norwegian authorities closed Oslo’s airspace for several hours due to drone sightings. Analysts have suggested that such actions may be part of a strategy aimed at testing NATO’s responses without crossing the threshold that would provoke direct military action.

The drone events come at a sensitive time, as Denmark prepares to host a major European Union summit in Copenhagen next week.

Billund Airport, the country’s second-largest, was shut down for about an hour, while Aalborg Airport—used for both civilian and military purposes—remained closed for three hours on Wednesday night. According to Danish authorities, drones were also detected near the airports in Esbjerg and Sønderborg, as well as near Skrydstrup Air Base, which houses Denmark’s F-16 and F-35 fighter jets. All the affected sites are situated on the Jutland peninsula.

A local resident reported seeing green flashing lights hovering directly above Aalborg Airport before moving westward, an observation supported by a video he captured.

National police stated that the drone activity mirrored a similar incident earlier in the week, which had disrupted operations at Copenhagen Airport late Monday and into early Tuesday. Officials described that earlier event as the most severe threat to Denmark’s critical infrastructure to date. While authorities hinted at a possible link to a broader pattern of drone-related disturbances across Europe—some suspected to involve Russian actors—no concrete evidence has been made public.

In response to these events, Denmark’s defence and justice ministers are expected to hold a press conference at 0700 GMT.