Denmark Summons Russian Ambassador After Frigate Fires Flares Near Military Helicopter
Copenhagen, September Denmark has summoned Russia’s ambassador after a Russian naval frigate fired two flares toward a Danish military helicopter operating in international waters off the Danish coast.
The Danish Armed Forces said the incident occurred on Monday near Gedser while a Danish Fennec helicopter was conducting routine photographic surveillance of the Russian frigate. One of the flares reportedly passed within only a few metres of the aircraft.
Danish Defence Minister Jeppe Bruus said the helicopter was carrying out a normal mission and that both the Danish aircraft and Russian vessel had the right to operate in international waters. Denmark subsequently summoned Russian Ambassador Vladimir Barbin for discussions.
Russia has presented a different account, accusing Denmark of conducting what it described as dangerous manoeuvres close to the Russian ship and saying it was investigating the incident. The competing accounts have added to tensions in the Baltic Sea, where NATO members have increased attention on maritime security.
The incident has also prompted discussion among Danish political parties. Several parties backed the government’s response, while some lawmakers called for caution and stressed that the episode should not unnecessarily escalate into a broader confrontation.
The development comes just before a NATO Military Committee conference scheduled to take place in Copenhagen on September 18–19. NATO says senior military leaders from all 32 member states will discuss collective deterrence and defence, innovation and technology, and continued support for Ukraine.
Denmark has also been strengthening its Arctic defence presence. Earlier this month, Danish conscripts were deployed to Greenland for the first time in recent history as Copenhagen increased its military presence in the Arctic.
The latest Baltic Sea incident therefore comes amid a broader period of heightened attention to Denmark’s maritime, Arctic and European security responsibilities.
