In both Norway and Denmark, reports of drones have led to closed airspace and growing concern. While the police emphasize that many sightings have natural explanations, Danish authorities assess that the country is exposed to hybrid warfare.
Norway: Uncertain reports
In Norway, Defense Minister Tore O. Sandvik (Ap) had to clarify at a security conference in Warsaw on Monday that the country is not at war.
On Tuesday last week, the airspace over Oslo Airport was temporarily closed.
Over the weekend, new reports of drones came, including over Ørland Air Base.
On Sunday, the police observed two drones over Brønnøysund.
On Monday evening, Equinor reported a possible drone over the Sleipner platform.
Sandvik emphasized that Norway can shoot down drones, but that this is surveillance – not attacks with kamikaze drones.
Denmark: Serious incidents
In Denmark, the situation has developed much more dramatically:
On Monday last week, Kastrup Airport was closed due to drone activity.
On Wednesday and Thursday, drones were reported at four airports and a military facility.
Over the weekend, the country’s largest military airport in Karup was hit by similar incidents.
On Monday evening, the defense urgently called in several hundred soldiers.
At the same time, Sweden and France are sending drone assistance to Denmark ahead of the EU summit in Copenhagen.
Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen called the incidents a serious attack on critical infrastructure and stressed that Denmark is exposed to hybrid warfare. She pointed out that a state actor is behind it – without concluding who – but added: “Putin wants to divide us.”
Experts: The goal is fear and unrest
According to Nils Håheim-Saers from the research institute NORCE, the aim is often to create uncertainty:
“People become uneasy, and that is precisely the effect that the actors want. Many observations turn out not to be drones in reality.”
He emphasizes that the actors want to inflict pain and unrest on nations – regardless of whether the drones are tiny or as large as passenger planes.
The Police Directorate confirms that many reports of drones turn out to be small planes, stars or other light phenomena.
Hybrid war
According to researcher Julie Celine Bergaust, hybrid warfare is about using the entire toolbox of pressure tools without declaring actual war.
- The most important thing is to listen to the authorities and not let fear rule, emphasizes Håheim-Saers.
Source: VG.NO
