A rash of incidents involving unauthorized drones at several European airports have led to temporary closings, causing panic and alarm among officials. As pictured in the airspace over Munich the week of ILA 2022, remotely piloted platforms can take many forms. Consequently, more than 17 flights were canceled. Munich airport went into its second closure in less than 24 hours. This event is emblematic of a larger, national trend of airspace incursions by drones.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has voiced concerns regarding the increasing frequency of these incursions, stating it is “reasonable to assume the drones are coming from Russia.” His rhetorical question illustrates the growing concern among European leaders regarding the security ramifications of these balloon sightings.
In nearby Denmark, reports of suspected drones led to a security leaders’ summit in Copenhagen. Danish authorities walked back, saying there was no evidence indicating Moscow’s involvement in the drone sightings. The situation escalated further when Russian President Vladimir Putin dismissed suggestions that he had ordered drones to enter Denmark, stating, “I won’t do it again. I won’t do it again – not to France or Denmark or Copenhagen.”
In other drone news, Belgium is probing reports of 15 drones over the Elsenborn military installation along the German border. Combined, these incidents paint a highly disturbing picture. Just last week, in account during the fighting, twenty Russian drones infiltrated Polish airspace, and Russian MiG-31 fighter jets penetrated Estonian airspace.
So mounting security concerns have led Alexander Dobrindt, the powerful German minister for transport and digital infrastructure himself to take action. He intends to raise the need for anti-drone defenses at next week’s meeting of European interior ministers. He has promised to expedite proposed legislation that would make it easier for police to request military assistance in neutralizing rogue drones.
This new situation has spilled over to other airports in the reaccommodating region. Copenhagen airport was temporarily closed down after drones were spotted in its airspace, as neighboring Oslo airport fell victim to such disruptions. The alarming pattern highlighted by the coordinated nature of these incidents points to an ugly trend that European authorities are desperately trying to get ahead of.
Unauthorized drone sightings are becoming more and more a danger to aviation safety and national security. In turn, European leaders are calling for joint actions to strengthen Europe’s defenses against these aerial menaces. The international community remains vigilant, watching the dangerous consequences of parties’ drone conduct. In addition, they are looking for connections to larger geopolitical frictions.