Faroe Islands Activates Inter-Agency Group to Address Rising Drone Threats

Inter-Agency Group Activated Amidst Drone Concerns

The authorities in the Faroe Islands have activated the Strategic Crisis Staff, an inter-agency group designed to convene during security incidents, to assess potential drone threats. This decision, announced by Faroese Justice Minister Bjarni Karason Petersen on Tuesday, September 30, comes in the wake of a series of drone incidents observed in Danish airspace and recent local drone overflights.

The autonomous government is actively coordinating with the Danish Arctic Command and the Faroe Islands Police. The primary objective of this collaboration is to review preparedness measures and clarify responsibilities in the event of foreign drone activity near the islands' airport or other critical infrastructure. Justice Minister Petersen emphasized that while the situation is being closely monitored, there is currently no indication of an elevated risk within the Faroe Islands.

Local Incidents and Broader Regional Context

The activation of the crisis staff follows specific incidents within the Faroe Islands. Last week, a French naval vessel docked in Torshavn, the capital, reported two separate drone overflights. Police have successfully identified the operator in one of these cases and are continuing their investigation into the second. Faroese Police Director Michael Boolsen has clarified that these incidents in Torshavn are not linked to the recent drone activity observed at Danish airports and military facilities.

The broader regional context includes a significant increase in drone reports across Denmark. These incidents have led to temporary airspace closures at major airports and military bases. Danish authorities reported 97 drone incidents near airports so far in 2025, a notable rise from 92 in 2024, 31 in 2023, and 38 in 2022. Airports such as Aalborg, Billund, Esbjerg, Sønderborg, Skrydstrup, and Copenhagen have all been affected. Danish officials have suggested that these flyovers, which caused disruptions and flight cancellations, were carried out by a 'professional actor' with the intent to 'sow fear and division'. In response, Denmark implemented a nationwide ban on civilian drone flights from September 29 to October 3 to secure high-profile events, and European ministers are discussing the implementation of a 'drone wall' to protect critical infrastructure.

Existing Drone Regulations in the Faroe Islands

The Faroe Islands, while not a member of the European Union, generally apply European drone rules with specific local exceptions and requirements. Regulations are primarily set by the Danish Civil Aviation and Railway Authority (Trafikstyrelsen). Key restrictions for drone operators include:

• Drones must not be flown within 150 meters of residential areas, villages, towns, or cities.
• Flights are prohibited within 150 meters of public roads.
• A 5-kilometer radius no-fly zone is enforced around Vágar Airport.
• The maximum altitude for drone flights is generally restricted to 100 to 120 meters above ground level.
• All drone operators, whether private or organizational, must register with Trafikstyrelsen, and most drones require valid liability insurance.

Violations of these regulations can result in a fine of DKK 5,000. New drone regulations, mirroring those of the EU, are currently undergoing review in the Faroese legislative process.