Tensions in northern Europe have intensified after a Russian war ship, identified as Aleksandr Shabalin, was sighted near the Danish waters with his tracking system off, which implies that he was trying to avoid detection. It was located in front of the coast of the Island of Langeland, in Denmark, by a surveillance helicopter.
Parallel to this event, Denmark has faced what the authorities qualify as a series of hybrid attacksin which unidentified drones have flown the country, Interrupting operations in several key airports, including Aalborg, used for both commercial and military flights. Although drones did not cause direct damage, their presence near the Skrydstrup air base, which houses F-16 and F-35 combat airplanes, has generated a significant concern among the Danish authorities.
Although the Danish government has pointed out that drones could be related to “state activity”, Those responsible have not yet been identified. Some analysts suggest that these attacks could be linked to the so -called “shadow fleets”, which operate unregistered tanks to evade international sanctions imposed on Russia. However, Moscow has denied any link with incidents.
Given this increase in provocations, Denmark has decided to invoke that of NATOa mechanism that allows members to consult about the threat to their safety. This article is activated when a threat to the territorial, political or security integrity of any alliance member is perceived.
Danish prime minister Mette Frederiksen warned that Russian threats They are not limited to the present, but will extend in the coming years. In addition, as they alerted, NATO officials are looking for answers to how to strengthen the protection of critical infrastructure in Europe against possible hybrid attacks, which not only involve traditional military forces, but also emerging technologies such as drones and cyber attacks.
