Russian Frigate Fires Flares at Danish Military Helicopter in Baltic Sea

A Russian frigate fired two flares toward a Danish military helicopter on Monday during a routine reconnaissance flight over international waters in the Baltic Sea, according to Denmark's armed forces.

One flare passed close to the Fennec helicopter as it photographed the Russian vessel off Gedser, a Danish port. No one aboard the aircraft was injured.

Denmark Summons Russian Ambassador

The incident prompted a sharp response from Copenhagen, with Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen summoning Russia's ambassador.

Rasmussen described the action as "completely unacceptable" and said it could have endangered lives.

He accused Moscow of "gradually shifting the boundary for what they consider acceptable behavior," adding: "That is something we cannot accept."

Routine Patrol Escalates

The Danish helicopter had been conducting a photographic reconnaissance mission when it approached the Russian frigate in international waters.

Denmark's defense command said the warship fired two flares toward the aircraft, with one passing at close range.

Flares are pyrotechnic devices commonly used at sea as warning signals.

Frederiksen Points to Wider Pattern

Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen said the encounter reflected what Denmark sees as increasingly aggressive Russian conduct in Europe and growing pressure on NATO countries.

"Reckless action from Russia towards Danish military during a routine overflight yesterday. Russian actions are meant to intimidate and divide. They will not succeed. We will not waver," Frederiksen said.

She accused Moscow of intensifying its "hybrid war against Europe" and called for stronger European defenses.

Baltic Security Tensions

The encounter comes amid heightened military and security tensions across the Baltic region following Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022.

Countries in the region have reported airspace violations, drone sightings and infrastructure disruptions, while NATO members have increased air patrols and other defensive measures.

Poland has repeatedly scrambled fighter jets during Russian attacks on neighboring Ukraine and has reported Russian drone incursions into its airspace.

The Danish straits also remain a critical route for commercial and military traffic entering and leaving the Baltic Sea, as well as for oil shipments including those linked to Russia's so-called shadow fleet.

Denmark's Defense Intelligence Service said last year that Russian warships had repeatedly sailed on collision courses with Danish vessels, directed tracking radars at Danish helicopters and ships, and pointed weapons at them in the straits.

Russia has rejected accusations surrounding similar incidents and has repeatedly denied conducting hybrid attacks in Europe.