As Denmark prepares to host a European Council meeting, where both defence and Ukraine will be on the agenda, allies are providing counter-uncrewed aerial systems (C-UAS) tech and personnel.
There have been a recent spate of unauthorised drone sightings in Denmark, both at civil airports and military facilities. In order to help the authorities secure this week’s European summit in Copenhagen, Denmark has banned civil drone flights, making it easier to spot unauthorised aerial activity.
The Prime Minister of neighbouring Sweden, Ulf Kristersson, said yesterday that the Swedish Armed Forces will support Denmark with military anti-drone capabilities in connection with the summit. The C-UAS unit will be led by the Danish Armed Forces and contribute to their support for Danish police operations. Sweden has also sent radar systems to Denmark “for a period of time”, Kristersson said on social media.
The Norwegian Government has also decided to provide Danish authorities with assistance in dealing with possible drone threats during the high-level meetings taking place in Denmark this week. “Denmark is a close neighbour and a NATO Ally. When Denmark requests support of this kind, it is important that we respond,” said Norway’s Minister of Defence Tore O. Sandvik. “In doing so, we show solidarity with Denmark and our commitment to European security. The security of Denmark is also our security.”
The Netherlands is further contributing to the protection of Danish airspace during the summit. This involves anti-drone capabilities of the Defence Ground-Based Air Defence Command in Vredepeel. Meanwhile, Zone Militaire reports that France is sending a H125M helicopter that will carry two gunners who could potentially deploy NEROD RF hand-held jammers as well as a 35-unit C-UAS ground crew. UK Defense Secretary John Healey told a POLITICO conference yesterday that the UK is sending C-UAS technology to Denmark, and the German Defence Ministry has also pledged support.
The speed and scale of the response to threats to Denmark’s airspace sends a strong message of solidarity to those who seek to threaten or divide Europe.
Image: Norwegian Ministry of Defence
