NATO on Alert as Drone Incursions in Denmark, Norway, and Poland Raise Fears of Wider Conflict
Tensions across Northern and Eastern Europe are rising after a series of drone incursions were reported in Denmark, Norway, and Poland, coinciding with a fresh wave of Russian missile and drone strikes on Ukraine. The incidents, which disrupted civilian and military operations, have prompted NATO to reinforce its security presence in the Baltic Sea and heightened concerns about the war spilling over into neighbouring countries.
Poland Temporarily Shuts Airspace Amid Russian Strikes
On Sunday, Poland briefly closed part of its airspace southeast of Warsaw, near the cities of Lublin and Rzeszów, citing “unplanned military activity.” The closure came as Russian forces launched overnight strikes on Ukraine, triggering nationwide air raid alerts from 03:00 GMT.
The Polish armed forces confirmed that they scrambled fighter jets alongside allied aircraft to protect national airspace and ensure civilian safety. Authorities described the action as “preventive,” emphasising that it was not linked to any confirmed breach but was instead aimed at deterring potential threats.
This latest move follows earlier incidents in which Russian drones crossed into Polish airspace, forcing Polish and NATO forces to intercept them. That marked the alliance’s first direct military engagement with Russia since the full-scale invasion of Ukraine began in February 2022.
NATO Strengthens Baltic Mission After Danish Drone Attacks
In response to growing security threats, NATO announced an upgrade to its Baltic Sea mission. The alliance is deploying an advanced air-defence frigate along with additional intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance platforms.
The decision follows multiple drone sightings in Denmark. Over the past week, unidentified drones were observed near Danish military installations and, in a major disruption, Copenhagen Airport — the busiest in the Nordic region — was forced to close for several hours after large drones entered its airspace.
Several other airports, both civilian and military, were also temporarily shut down. Danish authorities described these incidents as “hybrid attacks,” warning that they represent a serious threat to national security. Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen called the incursions “the most serious attack on Danish critical infrastructure to date.”
Norway Investigates Drone Sightings Near F-35 Base
Norway has also reported potential drone activity near its Ørland Air Force Base in the central region, home to the country’s fleet of F-35 fighter jets.
According to Norwegian officials, base guards observed what appeared to be at least two drones flying in restricted airspace for nearly an hour before disappearing. While the sightings remain under investigation, the military confirmed that the activity posed a security concern given the strategic importance of the base.
Brynjar Stordal, spokesperson for Norway’s Armed Forces Joint Headquarters, told reporters that the objects were “probably drones” but stressed that investigators are working to confirm the nature of the sightings.
Drone “Swarm” Spotted Over Northern Germany
The drone issue is not limited to Scandinavia. In Germany, Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt revealed that a “drone swarm” was spotted over the northern state of Schleswig-Holstein, which borders Denmark.
In response, Dobrindt called for a revision of air safety laws to allow the German armed forces to shoot down drones in situations that threaten public safety or critical infrastructure.
European Nations Consider “Drone Wall”
With multiple countries facing drone incursions, European defence ministers are moving toward collective solutions. On Friday, ministers from around 10 EU nations announced plans to prioritise the creation of a “drone wall” to secure their borders.
This initiative, still in its early stages, would involve coordinated surveillance systems, counter-drone technology, and greater cross-border military cooperation to defend against both state-backed and rogue drone threats.
Moscow Warns Against NATO Escalation
Russia has responded sharply to these developments. Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, speaking at the United Nations General Assembly in New York, warned NATO and the EU that any aggression toward Moscow would be met with a “decisive response.”
While insisting that Russia does not intend to attack the West, Lavrov accused NATO of provocation and political gamesmanship. The Russian Foreign Ministry separately criticised the proposed “drone wall,” claiming it would only escalate military and political tensions in Europe.
Rising Risks of Regional Escalation
The latest wave of drone-related incidents underscores the growing risk of spillover from the war in Ukraine. Analysts warn that the increased use of drones near NATO borders could heighten the chances of miscalculation, especially if one is mistakenly attributed to Russia or causes civilian damage.
For Poland, Denmark, and Norway — all NATO members — the incursions present not only immediate security risks but also wider political challenges. Governments must balance protecting their citizens and critical infrastructure with avoiding direct escalation with Moscow.
A Precarious Situation for Europe
As NATO strengthens its presence in the Baltic region, Europe finds itself at a critical juncture. On one hand, collective defence commitments require members to respond to airspace violations and hybrid threats. On the other, every interception and security response risks fuelling a cycle of escalation with Russia, whose war in Ukraine shows no signs of resolution.
The incidents in Denmark, Norway, Poland, and now Germany highlight how the conflict is testing Europe’s resilience far beyond the battlefield in Ukraine. With drone incursions becoming more frequent and harder to track, both NATO and EU leaders are under pressure to build stronger defences while keeping the door open for diplomacy.
For now, the skies above Europe remain tense — a stark reminder that the war in Ukraine is increasingly shaping security far beyond its borders.