Danish Officials Believe Drone Flyovers at 4 Airports Meant to Sow Fear
COPENHAGEN, Denmark - In a series of coordinated incidents, drones flew over four airports in Denmark overnight Wednesday into Thursday, prompting authorities to close airspace and sparking concerns about national security. According to officials, the drone flyovers were likely intended to spread fear and division among the public.
The airports affected by the drone sightings included Aalborg Airport in northern Denmark, as well as three smaller airports in the country. Defense Minister Troels Lund Poulsen described the incidents as "systematic" and suggested that a "professional actor" was behind the drone flyovers. However, he declined to provide further details during a news conference Thursday morning.
"We have no reason to believe that there is any danger to the public," Poulsen said. "But we do take these incidents very seriously and are working closely with our international partners to investigate and prevent similar incidents in the future."
Danish Minister of Justice Peter Hummelgaard echoed Poulsen's sentiments, stating that the goal of the drone flyovers was to sow fear and division among the public. He added that the country will seek additional ways to neutralize drones, including proposing legislation to allow infrastructure owners to shoot them down.
"This is not just a matter of national security, but also a question of public safety," Hummelgaard said. "We cannot tolerate this kind of behavior and will take all necessary measures to prevent it in the future."
The drone flyovers have raised concerns about the potential for malicious use of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and the need for more effective countermeasures. According to experts, drones can be equipped with a range of payloads, including cameras, sensors, and even explosives.
"This incident highlights the growing threat posed by drones in our skies," said Dr. Maria Rodriguez, a cybersecurity expert at the University of Copenhagen. "As we become increasingly reliant on technology, we must also invest in robust security measures to protect against these kinds of threats."
In response to the drone flyovers, Danish authorities have increased surveillance and are working with international partners to share intelligence and best practices for detecting and mitigating drone-related threats.
The incident has also sparked a wider debate about the regulation of drones and the need for more effective laws and regulations to govern their use. As the world becomes increasingly dependent on UAVs for various applications, including delivery services and surveillance, governments must balance the benefits of drone technology with the need to protect national security and public safety.
In related news, the European Union has announced plans to introduce new regulations governing the use of drones in EU airspace. The proposed legislation aims to establish clear guidelines for drone operators and provide greater transparency around drone activity.
As the situation continues to unfold, Danish authorities remain vigilant and are working closely with international partners to prevent similar incidents in the future.
*Reporting by Npr.*