Danish helicopter accused of violating Finnish airspace

Investigation underway after craft appeared in Finnish skies for reasons unknown

A Danish helicopter is suspected of violating Finnish airspace late on Wednesday.

Finnish border guards said that the craft “briefly entered” Finnish skies near the  town of Hanko in southwestern Finland.

“We do not know exactly why they were there,”said a spokesman for the Finnish Defence Ministry.

Busy above the Baltic
The area is currently hosting NATO’s international Baltops 2016 military exercises. Forces from Finland, Sweden, the US, the Netherlands, Italy,  Britain and Germany are taking part in the exercise, but Denmark is not participating in the Finnish leg of the exercises.

The Danish violation comes in the wake of Russian aircraft being accused of repeatedly breaching Finnish airspace above the Baltic Sea.

READ MORE: Denmark participating for the first time in the world’s largest naval exercise

The Russian foreign minister, Sergei Lavrov, has expressed his disapproval of NATO’s activities in the Baltic at a meeting in Moscow.

Finland’s border guard has begun an investigation into the incident.




  • The international who shaped Copenhagen

    The international who shaped Copenhagen

    Anna Maria Indrio is one of the most important architects in Denmark, having contributed to shaping Copenhagen into what it is today. Among her best-known projects are the extension of SMK and Arken, as well as the Natural History Museum and the Darwin Centre in London. She moved here 60 years ago, when “Copenhagen was gray and dormant. Predictions suggested it would become depopulated. But putting people at the center changed everything,” she said

  • Danish government passes amendment to increase citizenship fee by 50%

    Danish government passes amendment to increase citizenship fee by 50%

    Fees were raised to reflect processing costs and curb repeat applications, creating debate over whether the new charges erect barriers to political participation for internationals.

  • Internationals’ labour contributes 361 billion DKK to Denmark’s GDP, and it is growing strongly every year

    Internationals’ labour contributes 361 billion DKK to Denmark’s GDP, and it is growing strongly every year

    According to a report by the Danish Chamber of Commerce, internationals’ contribution is 12% of the country’s GDP. In 2023, it was 322 billion DKK, and in 2008, it was 136 billion DKK. “Internationals make a gigantic difference in our prosperity and welfare,” comments Morten Langager, the Director of Dansk Erhverv.

  • Inside Denmark’s innovation engine

    Inside Denmark’s innovation engine

    With half of its staff being international, the BioInnovation Institute reflects Denmark’s broader transformation into a global innovation hub. But can the country—and Europe—keep up the pace? “If reforms are made now, we can close the gap in ten years,” explains BII’s CEO

  • Denmark launches massive investment in the navy

    Denmark launches massive investment in the navy

    Two months ago, the Danish PM announced that military equipment should be purchased in a hurry. The first plans for the sea are now ready. Additional plans for warships will follow this summer.

  • International designers struggle to find jobs in Denmark

    International designers struggle to find jobs in Denmark

    Many internationals come to Denmark to work as designers, but the field appears to be one of the hardest to break into. The Copenhagen Post spoke with two internationals struggling to find their way into the industry.

Connect Club is your gateway to a vibrant programme of events and an international community in Denmark.