Ahead of this week's summits in Copenhagen (København, capital of Denmark), Denmark has received support from several European countries in the form of personnel and systems to detect and counter drones. Sweden, Finland, Norway, and Ukraine are among the contributors.
According to Defence Minister Troels Lund Poulsen, Germany, France, Sweden, Finland, Norway, and Ukraine are participating in the support to Denmark.
– I am both proud and pleased that so many countries are backing Denmark in the current situation. It is a clear expression of European cohesion and our common fight for a free and democratic Europe. And it is touching that Ukraine has also offered its help, he said in the press release.
NATO is also contributing with capabilities. The Chief of Defence, General Michael Wiggers Hyldgaard, emphasises that the effort strengthens the defence's ability to operate where required and in coordination with the police.
Sweden has contributed a military unit with so-called Counter-UAS capability and several advanced radar systems. The Swedish system has previously been used in operations on Gotland (strategic island in the Baltic Sea) and in Poland.
– The mission is fundamentally about safeguarding an ally's and neighbour's sovereignty, said the Swedish Armed Forces' Chief of Operations Ewa Skoog Haslum in connection with the announcement.
Ukraine has sent a specialist team to share experiences from the war, where drones have played a central role. According to President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, the effort can contribute to the development of a common European drone defence.
– Our expertise can become a key in Europe's future “Drone Wall”, he wrote on 30 September.
Finland has decided to send a military unit with drone capability following a formal Danish request. The unit operates under Danish leadership.
– By participating, we send concrete support to a Nordic NATO country, said Defence Minister Antti Häkkänen.
Norway has also sent personnel and materiel. Defence Minister Tore O. Sandvik emphasised the importance of solidarity and common security in Europe. The Norwegian Armed Forces state that the contribution does not affect national readiness and that the effort is coordinated directly with the Danish defence.
The background is several major meetings in Copenhagen on 1–2 October, including an informal EU summit on European defence and support for Ukraine, as well as a meeting in the European Political Community with participants from a total of 47 countries. The agenda includes drone threats, hybrid influence, and the security situation in Europe. In the days leading up to the meetings, the Danish Defence has confirmed several observations of drones at military installations, including Flyvestation Skrydstrup and the Jydske Dragonregiment's barracks in Holstebro.