On Friday, 3 October, Denmark’s Chief of Defence Intelligence Thomas Ahrenkiel warned that Russian warships were repeatedly aiming weapons at Danish naval vessels and aircraft, posing a serious threat.
Danish Intelligence Chief Highlights Russian Attacks on Naval Assets
During a press conference on 3 October, Thomas Ahrenkiel reported that Russian warships had repeatedly fired weapons at Danish naval vessels and helicopters navigating Danish waters. He cited several incidents in Danish straits where Danish navy aircraft and ships were illuminated by tracking radars and fired upon, and noted collisions during monitoring of Russian ships passing through. Ahrenkiel added that Russian ships are equipped with devices capable of causing severe GPS signal disruptions in Denmark.
High Sabotage Risk Amid Hybrid Warfare Claims
Ahrenkiel emphasized that sabotage risk is high, noting that Russia conducts hybrid warfare against Denmark to project military strength and make the West believe a war risk is immense. He explained that a real war would be too costly for Russia, prompting the country to employ indirect attacks instead. He also referenced the drone incident over Poland, stating Russia is behind many sabotage acts, including cyberattacks targeting Western countries, and that Russia deliberately sent a large number of drones to Poland to test the response.
Drone Flights Over Belgium and Other European Airports Hint at Possible Russian Action
Around the Belgian military base in Elsenborn, 15 drones were observed on the night of Thursday to Friday; the Belgian Ministry of Defence is investigating, with no clarity on the operator or mission objective. Earlier, drones had interfered with airport operations in Denmark, Germany, and Norway; Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen suggested that Russia might be responsible.
