Denmark’s recent measures to curb unregulated drone activity highlight a growing global challenge: balancing the rapid proliferation of drone technology with the need for robust countermeasures. The surge in demand for anti-drone systems, particularly in civilian sectors, underscores the urgency of developing scalable and cost-effective solutions.
MyDefence, a Danish firm specialising in drone jamming equipment, has seen a dramatic shift in its customer base. Once primarily serving defence and military clients, the company now faces growing interest from critical infrastructure operators and private enterprises seeking to protect their assets. “We’ve had a big surge of interest,” says Dan Hermansen, CEO of MyDefence. “It’s coming from big companies looking to safeguard their own assets.”
The company’s small, box-like jamming devices disrupt the communication between drones and their operators by emitting powerful radio signals on the same frequency. Rather than causing drones to crash, the technology forces them into a controlled landing, mitigating potential hazards. Hermansen estimates that radio frequency jamming is effective against 80 to 90 percent of drones in use today.
However, the effectiveness of such systems hinges on early detection. Identifying drones remains a complex task due to their varying sizes, materials, and flight patterns. “Drones can be very small or really big, and are often made from materials like plastic or fabrics that are hard to detect on traditional radar,” explains Andreas Graae, head of research at the Institute of Military Technology at the Danish Defence Academy.
To address this, a suite of detection technologies is under development, including acoustic sensors that pick up the drone’s buzzing, high-resolution optical cameras, and advanced tactical radars capable of distinguishing between drones and birds. Once detected, disabling the drone becomes the next critical step.
Electronic jamming has seen significant advancements, particularly in the context of the war in Ukraine, where frontlines are heavily jammed. This has led to the adaptation of drone control methods, such as fibre optic cables or autonomous navigation, forcing defenders to develop new interception strategies. Nordic Air Defence, a Swedish startup, is among those pioneering low-cost interceptor drones designed to strike and neutralise unwanted drones. “It’s missile-shaped, so it travels incredibly fast,” says Jens Holzapfel, the company’s business director. “It’s incredibly easy to manufacture—it’s basically 3D printed.”
The cost-effectiveness of counter-drone measures has become a pressing concern, especially in light of NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte’s recent statement: “It’s unacceptable to shoot down drones costing one or two thousand dollars with missiles that may cost half a million or even a million dollars.” The war in Ukraine has underscored the need for affordable defence solutions, as the cost of drone attacks continues to drop while the expense of countermeasures rises.
Beyond military applications, the civilian sector is increasingly recognising the need for anti-drone technology. Recent drone incursions in Poland, Romania, Norway, Sweden, Lithuania, and Germany have heightened tensions and spurred governments to invest in advanced countermeasures. Denmark’s defence ministry has deployed systems to detect, track, and jam drones, while Sweden has announced a $365 million investment in anti-drone technology, including jamming systems, hunter drones, and interception methods.
In civilian settings, shooting down drones poses risks, including falling debris and potential explosions. “It could be rather dangerous,” notes Kasper Hallenborg, director of the Maersk Mc-Kinney Moller Institute at the University of Southern Denmark. “We saw the impact in Poland—drone fragments more or less removed the roof of a house.” Early detection and safer neutralisation methods, such as hacking or using nets, are being explored to mitigate these risks.
The need for a comprehensive traffic management system is also becoming apparent. Electronic license plates for drones and pre-registration of flights could help authorities quickly identify authorised drones and respond to unauthorised incursions. “The police have been overloaded with reports of drones in the sky,” says Hallenborg. “A lot of these drones are probably there with a legitimate purpose.”
As drone technology continues to evolve, so too must the strategies to counter its misuse. The growing demand for anti-drone solutions reflects a broader trend in defence and security: the need for agile, cost-effective, and scalable systems that can adapt to emerging threats. Denmark’s proactive measures serve as a case study in how nations can address the challenges posed by unregulated drone activity, setting a precedent for global defence innovation.