Danish troops head to Ukraine for advanced drone warfare training
The Danish army plans to send its soldiers to Ukraine to gain experience in modern drone combat techniques. This initiative from Copenhagen has already elicited a response from Russian diplomacy.
What do you need to know?
- Where will the training take place? Danish soldiers will be trained in Ukraine, likely in the Lviv region, which is away from the front lines.
- When will the courses start? The first groups of soldiers may begin their training as early as this summer.
- Why are drones key? In Ukraine, assault drones account for over 70% of casualties on the Russian side, highlighting their effectiveness.
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 partake in training focused on modern drone combat techniques. "During my last visit to Ukraine, I asked if we could attend a few courses to learn firsthand, and now that opportunity has arisen," Harling Boysen shared in an interview with TV2. The training aims to gather knowledge that trained drone operators will later impart to their colleagues in Denmark.
Why is Denmark investing in drone training?
Denmark acknowledges the increasing significance of drones in current armed conflicts. "We truly need to access the latest versions of different types of drones. When the need arises to engage in warfare, we can deploy them," emphasized Harling Boysen. Drones serve not only as offensive tools but also as crucial elements in defense against hostile assaults.
What are the alternatives to training in Ukraine?
Expert Flemming Splidsboel Hansen from the Danish Institute of International Studies points out that investments in drones are cost-effective, as they can disable large and expensive weapons systems. "Investments in drones pay off; we observe that large and costly weapons systems can be easily immobilized by them," Hansen notes. An alternative to training in Ukraine could be organizing a training camp in eastern Poland.
Russia reacts
The Russian embassy in Copenhagen has responded to the Danish 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.
