The Danish Defence Command said a Russian frigate fired two flares at a Royal Danish Air Force Fennec helicopter in international waters off Gedser on September 14, 2026, according to a statement issued at 23:02 local time the same day.
The Danish Defence Command said the helicopter was carrying out what it called routine photographic coverage of the frigate when the flares were fired, and one passed at close range to the aircraft. It did not name the frigate, identify the helicopter's unit, or give a position for the encounter.
Denmark's Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed on September 15, 2026, that the Russian ambassador had been summoned, and Defence Minister Jeppe Bruus said the crew was unhurt and the helicopter undamaged. The incident was described as unprofessional seamanship.
