Danish PM Warns of Hybrid War in Europe, Points to Russia

English , International - بین الاقوامی , Snippets , / Friday, September 26th, 2025

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COPENHAGEN, Sept. 26 — Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen warned Thursday that Europe has entered a “hybrid war,” after waves of drones forced Denmark to close its airspace and major airports this week.
Authorities temporarily shut two major airports overnight Wednesday following drone sightings, with similar incursions reported across the country. Earlier in the week, both Copenhagen and Oslo airports were closed, disrupting flights and stranding thousands of passengers. Just hours after Frederiksen’s address, Aalborg Airport in northern Denmark was closed for the second night in a row over suspected drones.
Frederiksen said the incidents were part of a coordinated “hybrid attack” by a “professional actor,” adding: “We are at the beginning of a hybrid war against Europe. We see the pattern, and it does not look good.” While Danish authorities have not confirmed responsibility, she pointed to Moscow as the main threat. “There is primarily one country that poses a threat to Europe’s security — and that is Russia,” she said.
The warning comes amid a series of airspace violations across Europe involving Russian jets and drones. Estonia and Poland recently convened NATO members for urgent talks after reporting Russian incursions, though Moscow has denied involvement.
Denmark has raised its alert level and is deploying more anti-drone defenses, with assistance from Ukrainian experts. “Defense and police will be more present with anti-drone capabilities around critical infrastructure,” Frederiksen noted.
Earlier this month, Copenhagen announced its largest-ever arms purchase — the Franco-Italian SAMP/T air defense system for 58 billion Danish kroner (€7.7 billion). Frederiksen urged European allies to expand defense industries and boost spending, stressing that “the events of recent days emphasize how important this is.”