A Russian frigate fired two flares towards a Royal Danish Air Force Fennec helicopter over international waters off Gedser in the Baltic Sea on 14 September, in an encounter that Denmark called completely unacceptable. The helicopter was carrying out routine photographic coverage of the vessel when one flare passed close to the aircraft, although the crew were unharmed and no damage was reported.
Denmark’s Foreign Ministry summoned the Russian ambassador after the incident, which took place south of Falster in an area of clear military and airspace sensitivity. The Danish Defence Command did not provide further immediate comment, while Russia had not responded at the time of the initial reporting.
The episode adds to heightened Baltic Sea tensions and comes as both sides trade accusations over unsafe military flying and naval manoeuvres near each other’s forces. Russian officials later accused Danish helicopters of dangerous manoeuvres near Russian warships, underscoring the sharp diplomatic fallout from the encounter.