Danish PM Frederiksen calls Russian frigate signal rocket incident against Danish helicopter 'very serious'

Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen on September 15 called the incident in which a Russian warship fired signal rockets at a Danish military helicopter 'very serious', Denmark's strongest public reaction to the Baltic Sea confrontation. Frederiksen stated that Denmark would not allow its military aircraft to be intimidated and would seek a full explanation from Russia regarding the incident, which occurred over international waters. She indicated that Denmark was consulting with NATO allies about the appropriate response. The incident involved a Russian frigate that fired signal rockets at a Danish military helicopter conducting routine operations in international airspace over the Baltic Sea. Danish officials initially described the situation as a dangerous and provocative act. Denmark summoned the Russian ambassador to provide explanations, and NATO member states expressed solidarity with Denmark. The incident marked one of the most direct military confrontations between a NATO member state and Russian forces in the Baltic region in recent years.