Danish Helicopter Targeted by Russian Warship Flares in Baltic Sea Incident
By Editor • September 15, 2026 • 1 min read
In a provocative encounter in the Baltic Sea, Denmark has accused a Russian warship of firing two emergency flares at one of its military helicopters. This incident occurred during a routine monitoring operation on Monday, prompting the Danish government to summon the Russian ambassador for an explanation.
Denmark's Strong Condemnation
Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen described the Russian action as "reckless" and asserted that it was intended to "intimidate and divide". The Danish armed forces reported that an Fennec helicopter was fired upon while conducting a photographic operation of the Russian frigate, which was situated in international waters off Gedser. One of the flares reportedly passed very close to the helicopter.
Russia's Response and Accusations
In response, Russia stated it would conduct a thorough investigation into the incident but accused Danish helicopters of engaging in "provocative actions" near their naval vessels. Russian ambassador Vladimir Barbin claimed that this was not the first time such encounters had occurred, asserting that the issue lies not with the Russian Navy but with the actions of the Danish Air Force.
Wider Context of Tensions
This incident aligns with escalating tensions in the region as NATO has been on high alert, recently downing a drone that entered Lithuanian airspace. The drone, believed to have originated from Belarus, marks another point of concern amid increased Russian aggression. Lithuanian President Gitanas Nausėda emphasized the need for vigilance and readiness in the face of ongoing threats, especially with Lithuania's strategic position near Belarus, a key ally of Russia.
Source: www.bbc.co.uk
