Russian tanker detained in France linked to drones over Denmark
Ritzau Scanpix/Steven Knap via REUTERS
Boracay, the “shadow fleet” oil tanker detained by French authorities days ago, is suspected to have launched the mysterious UAVs that flew over Denmark last week, AFP reported on Oct. 1.
Boracay is under UK and EU sanctions targeting Russia’s oil exports.
Previously named Pushpa and Kiwala and flying a Benin flag, the vessel operated in Danish waters from Sept. 22 to Sept. 25. During that period, unknown drones were repeatedly spotted over Denmark’s military facilities.
The Boracay is now anchored off the French port of Saint-Nazaire. French military personnel boarded the vessel on Sept. 27, a timeline confirmed by government officials.
“The tanker is suspected of being involved in drone overflights in Denmark…,” the report said, citing Brest prosecutor Stéphane Kellenberger.
On the night of Sept. 23, Copenhagen Airport halted operations for several hours after drones were detected in restricted airspace.
On Sept. 25, drones were spotted flying near military sites across Denmark. One was seen near Aalborg Airport, home to an air base that hosts C-130 Hercules and CL-604 Challenger transport aircraft. The elite Jægerkorps special forces unit is also based there. Another drone was detected near Skrydstrup Air Base, which supports Denmark’s F-16 fighter jets.
Danish Defense Minister Troels Lund Poulsen described the drone incursions as “a hybrid attack.”
The U.S.-based Institute for the Study of War has linked Russia to a series of drone provocations across Europe, suggesting Moscow may be probing NATO air defenses ahead of any future conflict with the alliance.
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