In late September 2025, Denmark faced a significant security challenge due to a series of unidentified drone incursions into its airspace. This prompted a robust response from Danish authorities, including enhanced air defense measures and a temporary nationwide ban on civilian drone flights, particularly in anticipation of major international summits in Copenhagen. On September 28, 2025, the Danish Ministry of Defense announced the urgent call-up of several hundred reservists, a measure security advisor Jacob Kaarsbo described as indicative of a "completely exceptional situation," aimed at bolstering the nation's readiness to address potential threats.
From September 29 to October 3, 2025, the Danish government enacted a temporary prohibition on all civilian drone operations. This decisive action was a direct response to numerous drone incidents observed over airports and sensitive military installations, which posed a clear risk to public safety and national security. The ban aimed to eliminate confusion between legitimate drone activity and potential threats, thereby simplifying the operational environment for law enforcement and military personnel. As Copenhagen prepared to host the European Union leaders' informal meeting and the European Political Community summit on October 1, 2025, Denmark secured crucial international support. Germany, France, and Sweden pledged significant assistance, deploying troops, advanced air defense systems, radar technology, and fighter jets to safeguard the capital during these high-profile gatherings. This collaborative effort underscored a unified European commitment to security in the face of emerging aerial threats.
On September 30, 2025, Danish authorities briefly closed the airspace over Copenhagen Airport and the naval base in Olborg due to the anticipated presence of drones, reflecting the heightened state of alert following near-continuous detection of unknown aerial vehicles. The series of drone sightings, which began around September 22, 2025, disrupted air traffic at multiple Danish airports, including Copenhagen, Aalborg, Esbjerg, and Sonderborg, and were observed near military bases such as Skrydstrup and Karup. While the operators and their motives remain under investigation, Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen has suggested that Russia could be the primary country posing a threat to European security, a claim that Moscow has denied. The incidents have been characterized by Danish officials as potential "hybrid attacks," aimed at creating fear and testing national defenses. Consequently, NATO has enhanced its vigilance in the Baltic Sea region, with the German air defense frigate FGS Hamburg arriving in Copenhagen to bolster airspace surveillance. The collaborative response from European partners highlights a shared understanding of the evolving security landscape and the necessity of collective action to maintain stability and safety during critical international events.