'Lasted for hours': Denmark reports new drone sightings over biggest military base; calls it 'hybrid attack'

Danish police on Saturday confirmed fresh sightings of unidentified drones over Karup Airbase , Denmark ’s largest military base, marking the latest in a series of aerial intrusions that authorities have described as part of a possible “hybrid attack” on the country.

The incident occurred around 8:15pm local time on Friday and continued for several hours, duty officer Simon Skelsjaer told AFP.

“I can confirm that we had an incident around 8:15 pm (1815 GMT Friday) that lasted for some hours. One to two drones were observed outside and over the airbase,” he said, adding that “we didn’t take them down.”

Karup Airbase shares its runways with Midtjylland civilian airport, which was briefly closed following the drone sighting. However, no flights were affected as there were no scheduled departures or arrivals at that hour, Skelsjaer added.

While the origin of the drones remains unknown, police have begun an investigation in cooperation with the military.

The sighting at Karup follows a wave of drone activity over critical infrastructure across Denmark, including other airports and sensitive sites. Several civilian airports were temporarily shut earlier in the week due to similar drone intrusions.

On Thursday, Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen addressed the situation, stating, “over recent days, Denmark has been the victim of hybrid attacks,” referring to unconventional tactics often involving drones, cyber threats, or disinformation.

Authorities have yet to confirm whether the drones were used for surveillance or had any hostile intent, but security agencies are treating the incidents with caution amid rising regional tensions.