A Danish military helicopter was targeted with pyrotechnics by a Russian frigate during a routine patrol flight in international waters near the village of Gedser, according to the Danish Defence. The incident involved two flares fired from the warship, with one passing in close proximity to the aircraft, prompting the Danish Ministry of Foreign Affairs to summon the Russian ambassador.
Russian Frigate Fires Flares at Danish Military Helicopter Near Gedser
A routine maritime patrol turned tense when a Danish Fennec helicopter encountered countermeasures from a Russian naval vessel. According to the Danish Defence, the incident unfolded in international waters situated off Gedser, a coastal village located on the island of Falster in Denmark.
During the flight, the crew was conducting routine photography of a Russian frigate operating in the area. In response, the warship discharged two pyrotechnic flares. Officials confirmed that at least one of the projectiles passed close to the military aircraft.
Did you know? Gedser is situated at the southernmost point of Falster and serves as a geographic landmark, featuring ferry connections to Germany and sitting along the shipping lane for vessels navigating in and out of the Baltic Sea via Storebælt.
Diplomatic Fallout and Russian Ambassador Summoned to Ministry
The encounter prompted diplomatic action from Copenhagen. According to reporting by the newspaper Berlingske, the Danish Ministry of Foreign Affairs responded by formally calling in the Russian ambassador to Denmark for a diplomatic meeting regarding the incident.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where did the incident take place?
According to the Danish Defence, the event occurred in international waters just off Gedser, a village on the southern tip of Falster in Denmark, roughly 130 kilometers south of Copenhagen.
What type of aircraft was involved?
The Danish military confirmed that the aircraft targeted by the pyrotechnics was a Fennec helicopter performing routine patrol and photography duties.
How did the Danish government respond diplomatically?
As reported by Berlingske, the Danish Ministry of Foreign Affairs summoned the Russian ambassador to Copenhagen for a formal meeting following the flare incident.
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