Denmark's drone mission in Ukraine: A new frontier in warfare
The Danish army plans to send its soldiers to Ukraine to gain experience in modern drone combat techniques. The idea from Copenhagen has already prompted a response from Russian diplomats.
What do you need to know?
- Where will the training take place? Danish soldiers will be trained in Ukraine, likely in the Lviv region, away from the front line.
- When will the courses start? The first groups of soldiers may begin training as early as this summer.
- Why are drones key? Drones contribute to more than 70% of casualties on the Russian side in Ukraine, making them extremely effective.
What are the goals of Danish training in Ukraine?
The commander of the Danish army, Maj. Gen. Peter Harling Boysen, announced that Danish soldiers would be sent to Ukraine to participate in training on modern drone combat techniques. "During my last visit to Ukraine, I asked if we could come for a few courses to learn firsthand, and now that opportunity has arisen," said Harling Boysen in an interview with TV2. The training aims to acquire knowledge that trained drone operators will later pass on to their colleagues in Denmark.
Why is Denmark investing in drone training?
Denmark recognizes the growing importance of drones in modern armed conflicts. Harling Boysen emphasized, "We really need to have the latest versions of different types of drones, so when the need arises to go to war, we can take them with us." Drones are not only an offensive tool but also a crucial element in defence against hostile attacks.
What are the alternatives to training in Ukraine?
Expert Flemming Splidsboel Hansen from the Danish Institute of International Studies notes that investments in drones are cost-effective because they can immobilize large and expensive weapons systems. "Investments in drones pay off; we see that large and expensive weapons systems can be easily immobilized by them," Hansen observes. An alternative to training in Ukraine could be organizing a training camp in eastern Poland.
Russia reacts
The Russian embassy in Copenhagen reacted to the Danes' plan.
Ambassador Vladimir Barbin stated that the deployment of Danish troops to Ukraine—even for the purpose of gaining combat experience—deepens Denmark's involvement in the conflict and risks triggering further uncontrolled escalation.
He also emphasized that the Kremlin considers all military infrastructure in Ukraine, including training facilities, as legitimate targets. According to him, sharing combat experience is not a humanitarian act but a clear demonstration of support for Ukraine's armed forces.
