Suspicious drone activities have surged over the last few months in at least ten European countries. Lithuania reported drone incursions from Russia in July, including one found armed with explosives, prompting calls for NATO to strengthen air defenses. Poland experienced at least 19 Russian drones violating its airspace on 9 September, leading to the first engagement by Polish armed forces against Russian assets since February 2022. Further Polish incidents included a drone flown over the presidential palace and arrests linked to drone flights on government buildings. Romania detected Russian Shahed 136 kamikaze drones near its border with Ukraine, deploying F-16s and condemning the attacks. Denmark experienced coordinated drone flights over five airports on 29 September, resulting in airport closures and a temporary nationwide ban on commercial drones. Norway closed airspace around Oslo airport following drone sightings. France saw unidentified drones over a military base on 22 September, triggering an official investigation. Germany’s northern region stepped up drone defenses after multiple sightings near airport zones. NATO and the EU are collaborating on a drone wall initiative along the eastern border with Russia and increasing vigilance in the Baltic states. Denmark considered invoking NATO’s Article 4 due to these hybrid threats. Anti-drone capabilities are being shared among affected countries to counter this growing threat.

Suspicious drone activities have surged over the last few months in at least ten European countries. Lithuania reported drone incursions from Russia in July, including one found armed with explosives, prompting calls for NATO to strengthen air defenses. Poland experienced at least 19 Russian drones violating its airspace on 9 September, leading to the first engagement by Polish armed forces against Russian assets since February 2022. Further Polish incidents included a drone flown over the presidential palace and arrests linked to drone flights on government buildings. Romania detected Russian Shahed 136 kamikaze drones near its border with Ukraine, deploying F-16s and condemning the attacks. Denmark experienced coordinated drone flights over five airports on 29 September, resulting in airport closures and a temporary nationwide ban on commercial drones. Norway closed airspace around Oslo airport following drone sightings. France saw unidentified drones over a military base on 22 September, triggering an official investigation. Germany’s northern region stepped up drone defenses after multiple sightings near airport zones. NATO and the EU are collaborating on a drone wall initiative along the eastern border with Russia and increasing vigilance in the Baltic states. Denmark considered invoking NATO’s Article 4 due to these hybrid threats. Anti-drone capabilities are being shared among affected countries to counter this growing threat.