Danish authorities are once again grappling with illegal drone activity near critical defence sites. On Friday evening, one or more drones were spotted over Karup Air Station, the country’s largest military base.
Police units were dispatched after reports of drones flying both inside and outside the base perimeter. “It is at least one, maybe two drones,” said duty manager Simon Skelkjær from the Central and West Jutland Police. He declined to specify the size or type of the drones, but stressed the obvious point: all drone activity in the vicinity of military installations is strictly prohibited.
The drones disappeared before officers could intervene, but sightings continued into the night. On Saturday morning, police confirmed that “one or two illegal drones” had been operating in the area for hours. Authorities are urging anyone with video or photographs of the incident to come forward.
The decision on how to respond to the drones fell to the Armed Forces, Skelkjær noted, underscoring that the situation involved coordination between the police and military. The Danish Defence later confirmed not only the Karup sightings but also drone activity at other defence facilities.
That development adds to growing concerns. In recent weeks, similar drone incidents have been reported around airports and defence sites across Scandinavia. The timing is especially sensitive, with Copenhagen hosting an EU summit.
Denmark accepts Sweden’s offer
In response, Denmark has accepted Sweden’s offer to provide anti-drone systems. Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson described the support as a precaution against “very unwelcome drones,” without disclosing technical details but making clear that the systems are designed to neutralize airborne threats.
The Danish Ministry of Defence framed the move as both practical and symbolic. “The Swedish offer follows Defence Minister Troels Lund Poulsen’s meeting with his Nordic colleagues last night and is a strong signal of the great international support for Denmark,” the ministry said in a statement.
The message from Danish authorities to civilians is simpler: if you own a hobby drone, now is not the time to fly it.
This story is still developing, and the Nordic Business Journal will continue to report as new incidents emerge and authorities refine their strategies to counter the growing drone threat.