Danish Temporarily Bans Civil Drone Flights to Ensure EU Summit Security
The Danish Ministry of Transport announced on Sunday, September 28, that it will prohibit civil drone flights nationwide starting from Monday, September 29, to ensure the security of the EU summit being held this week in Copenhagen. At that time, leaders of EU countries will gather in the Danish capital.
According to AFP, the Danish military stated that unidentified drones were found over military facilities for two consecutive nights, but did not disclose more details or the military's response. Since September 22, mysterious drones have appeared in several areas of Denmark and Norway, causing several airports to close. Copenhagen has accused Russia of being behind the incidents, but Russia has denied any responsibility.
Transport Minister Danneberg said in a statement: "Denmark will welcome EU leaders next week, and we must pay special attention to security. Therefore, all civilian drone flights will be closed nationwide from Monday to Friday." He explained that this measure aims to avoid "confusing hostile drones with legitimate drones."
Neighboring Norway is also investigating the appearance of suspected drones near the largest military base, Orland. On Sunday night, Norwegian airport operator Avinor reported drone activity at Brønnøya Airport in the north, causing an incoming flight to be delayed and diverted.
Germany reported on Saturday that it discovered "unidentified drone swarms" near the Schleswig-Holstein state close to Denmark, and authorized the military to shoot down such targets. NATO has announced enhanced vigilance in the Baltic region, deploying various intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance platforms as well as at least one air defense frigate.
These drone intrusion incidents occurred just days after Denmark announced its first purchase of long-range precision weapons to counter potential threats from Russia in the future. Danish investigators have so far been unable to confirm the source of the drones, but Prime Minister Frederiksen bluntly stated: "The only country posing a security threat to Europe is Russia."
Moscow strongly denied any connection to the incidents in Danish airspace on Thursday. Meanwhile, Russia has also been accused of being behind the drone entering Polish airspace on September 10, an incident that forced NATO to deploy fighter jets to respond.
Original: www.toutiao.com/article/1844552587811851/
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