Denmark Arms 1500 Soldiers With Shotguns to Defend Against Drone Threats
Denmark is bolstering its drone defense measures, with the military distributing 1500 shotguns to support points. This comes after recent drone incidents and the need for immediate response during the EU summit.
Traditionally used for hunting and disaster control, such as killing birds stuck in oil spills or protecting against polar bears, shotguns are now being considered as a last resort against drone threats. The Danish military favours this approach due to the reduced risk of falling parts and ricochets compared to larger weapons.
The decision follows the recent EU summit, where NATO partners had to step in with modern anti-drone weapons due to Denmark's ineffective drone defense. The Danish intelligence service (FE) has not confirmed Russia's involvement in these incidents but acknowledges other hybrid war activities. Experts believe smaller drones can be shot down from the sky with metal balls fired from guns up to a height of 50 meters.
Russia has been engaging in hybrid warfare against Western countries, including targeting Danish naval boats and causing GPS disturbances in Danish airspace. The Danish intelligence chief warns of potential boundary testing and sabotage actions against military facilities and critical infrastructure. Cyber attacks are also on the rise, with incidents such as a waterworks failure causing pipes to burst.
In response, the Danish Armed Forces have announced the procurement of anti-drone weapons and arranged to borrow military anti-drone technologies from Sweden for enhanced drone defense during the upcoming EU summit.
Denmark's use of shotguns for drone defense is a temporary measure until more advanced anti-drone weapons are procured. The military is also considering a semi-automatic variant for this purpose. The move highlights the country's proactive approach to countering potential threats, particularly in light of increasing hybrid warfare activities.
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