A specialist Royal Air Force Regiment counter-drone unit has been sent to Denmark to boost security following a surge in unidentified drone incidents near civilian and military installations which disrupted air traffic; signs of the hybrid threats facing several EU countries.
The deployment was requested as Denmark is hosting two major European summits (EU leaders and European Political Community) in Copenhagen. The Defence Secretary confirmed the decision, stating it was a necessary step "in response to the drone attacks observed at its main airport and regional airports," further adding that “no one should be in any doubt that we are facing a level of grey zone activity and aggression which is testing us and testing other countries.”
Denmark is cooperating closely with its allies including France, Germany, Netherlands, Sweden, Norway, Finland, Poland, US, UK and Ukraine; many of whom have contributed actual units and capabilities that are now operating on Danish soil. This support request highlights the critical importance of specialist counter-drone capabilities, especially when highly trained personnel from the RAF Regiment and advanced technology can rapidly and safely neutralise the threats posed by unauthorised drones.
“The support we are currently seeing from our close allies is tangible proof of the strong international cooperation of which Denmark is a part, both in the EU and NATO. It enables us to adapt quickly to the present situation and demonstrate that, when it matters, we stand together.”
Chief of Danish Defence, General Michael Wiggers Hyldgaard
The RAF continues to invest in and develop its counter-drone capabilities to protect UK airspace and critical infrastructure from the evolving challenges posed by UAS technology. Public safety remains a critical priority for the RAF. However, this situation is also an important reminder of the requirement for well-functioning cooperation and unity within the NATO Alliance.
