Denmark Faces Hybrid Warfare Threat from Russia, Says Intelligence Chief

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Denmark Faces Hybrid Warfare Threat from Russia, Says Intelligence Chief
Photo: Sebastian Elias Uth/Ritzau Scanpix/TT

Russia is waging a hybrid war against Denmark, says the head of Denmark's military intelligence service FE, Thomas Ahrenkiel. The threat requires a massive buildup, says the country's Minister of Defence Troels Lund Poulsen (V).

We know that Russia is behind a number of sabotage, including cyber attacks, against Western countries, he says at a press conference.

Recently, several drone incidents against Danish airports and military facilities have occurred. Copenhagen Airport Kastrup was forced to close its airspace for several hours last week when drones entered, resulting in several cancelled flights.

Airports such as Ålborg, Esbjerg, Sønderborg, Skrydstrup and Billund also had to handle drone alerts and in many cases shut down traffic.

War in the grey zone

The approach is described as "part of the DNA of hybrid warfare":

It is a war in the grey zone. You use intermediaries who claim to be activists, criminals or something else, says Ahrenkiel.

Russia wants us to believe that there is an imminent threat of war. They want us to live in fear, he continues.

But the assessment that Russia will not carry out a full-scale military attack remains, according to the Danish intelligence chief.

But we expect to see more hybrid attacks: cyber attacks, sabotage and influence, he says.

Demands massive buildup

It is likely that the hybrid threat from Russia will intensify in the coming years, according to Defense Minister Troels Lund Poulsen. Therefore, Denmark must arm itself.

This requires action here in Denmark, in Europe and within NATO, as well as a strong unity that must be stronger than ever before, says the Minister of Defence.

"No military threat to Denmark"

The effort is by no means over, according to Troels Lund Poulsen.

Therefore, a massive buildup is important. We are fighting for our Western values, for freedom and democracy, he says.

The Minister of Defence urges Danes to calm down.

There is no reason to fear that we are on our way to war. There is no military threat to Denmark, but there are other threats that we must deal with.

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By TTEnglish edition by Sweden Herald, adapted for local and international readers

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