Russian Frigate Fires Flares at Danish Helicopter in Baltic Sea

On September 14 (according to several reports) a Russian frigate operating in international waters off Gedser, southern Denmark, launched two emergency flares toward a Danish Air Force Fennec helicopter conducting a routine photographic mission of the warship. One flare passed at a short distance from the aircraft; neither the helicopter nor its crew were damaged. Danish defence officials reported the event late on September 14, and the incident was publicly detailed on September 15.

Russian frigate fires two flares at Danish military helicopter RTE (Radio Television of Ireland)Diplomatic clash over Russian flares to Danish helicopter PolitikenThe Straits TimesRussian frigate fires two flares and grazes a Danish helicopter Politico EuropePolitiken

Danish authorities have linked the flare incident to a broader pattern of Russian hybrid-war tactics aimed at European NATO members. Earlier in September, Denmark’s Security and Intelligence Service disclosed Russian plans for sabotage operations against Danish companies, and in August German security services reported suspected Russian drones at Leipzig/Halle Airport. Danish officials argue that the flare firing signals an escalation of “risk-taking” by the Kremlin as it confronts mounting pressure from the war in Ukraine.

PolitikenPolitikenPolitico EuropeRussian frigate fires two flares and grazes a Danish helicopter The Straits TimesDiplomatic clash over Russian flares to Danish helicopter Russian frigate fires two flares at Danish military helicopter RTE (Radio Television of Ireland)

Denmark’s foreign minister, Lars Løkke Rasmussen, labelled the flare firing “completely unacceptable” and warned that it could have endangered human lives. He announced that Russia’s ambassador to Denmark, Vladimir Barbin, had been summoned for a diplomatic meeting to obtain an explanation. Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen described the episode as part of an “increasingly aggressive and assertive” Russian strategy that tests NATO’s cohesion. Defence Minister Jeppe Bruus said the incident would be treated with “great seriousness.” The Russian embassy did not provide an immediate comment.

Diplomatic clash over Russian flares to Danish helicopter

• Number of flares fired: 2

Diplomatic clash over Russian flares to Danish helicopter

• Proximity of flare to aircraft: 1 flare passed “close” or “at a short distance” from the helicopter

RTE (Radio Television of Ireland)

• Outcome: No damage or injuries reported

Diplomatic clash over Russian flares to Danish helicopter

Sources differ on the exact date of the flare firing. The *Straitstimes* and *RTE* articles reference the incident on September 15, while *Commonspace* and *Politico* place it on September 14. All outlets agree the event occurred in international waters off Gedser and involved the same Danish helicopter. The Russian side has not issued an official response, and the Russian embassy’s silence leaves the motive for firing the flares unconfirmed.

Diplomatic clash over Russian flares to Danish helicopter

• “The armed forces report that one of the air force's helicopters was fired upon with so-called flares in connection with routine photographic coverage of a Russian frigate in the waters off Gedser. This is completely unacceptable. Therefore, Russia's ambassador has been summoned for a conversation about the incident,” — Lars Løkke Rasmussen, denmark's foreign minister

Politico Europe

Denmark has formally summoned the Russian ambassador for a discussion of the incident. No further diplomatic or military actions have been announced, and the situation remains under close monitoring by NATO allies.

Russian frigate fires two flares and grazes a Danish helicopter