Dutch military spot suspicious drones during NATO drills in Poland

The Dutch Ministry of Defence has reported that its troops taking part in military exercises in Poland have detected several suspicious drones. Authorities have launched an investigation to determine their origin.

As reported by NOS, a Dutch public broadcaster, in addition to the appearance of unidentified drones, communication between soldiers had also been disrupted.

The troops were not equipped with anti-drone systems at the time. The equipment was later delivered from the Netherlands following the incidents.

"There was no immediate danger. We are quite far from the Russian border. We realised that right away and quickly adapted," Dutch Brigadier General Frank Grandia said.

The Dutch Air Mobile Brigade has been in Poland in recent weeks for NATO's Falcon Autumn drills – large-scale air exercises involving Poland, the United States and other allies. The drones appeared unexpectedly as troops were setting up camp at an airfield.

It remains unclear who was behind the drones or the communication interference.

"We know there are parties very interested in what we do who monitor the exercises," he added.

The training was adjusted but not cancelled, and the drones eventually departed.

Suspicious drone activity has also been reported in Denmark, Norway and Germany, where several airports in Denmark and Norway were closed for several hours.

Estonia has also recently faced a separate airspace violation involving three Russian fighter jets. The Russian Defence Ministry claimed that their MiGs "had not violated" Estonian airspace.

Recent incidents involving drones and Russian aircraft violating NATO airspace have prompted discussions among alliance members about a stronger response to Moscow's increasingly provocative actions, including possible military countermeasures.

Meanwhile, Bavaria's regional government has approved a draft law allowing state police to shoot down drones if deemed necessary.