Russian frigate fires flares at Danish Fennec helicopter in Baltic Sea

On June 16, 2023, a Russian frigate engaged with a Royal Danish Air Force Fennec helicopter during an incident occurring within international waters of the Baltic Sea. According to reports, the Russian vessel discharged two warning flares towards the Danish helicopter. The event transpired while both aircraft were conducting routine training exercises as part of NATO’s Defender Shield exercise. This engagement occurred approximately 25 nautical miles southwest of Bornholm, Denmark, and involved the Neustreltskiy-class frigate Severodvinsk. Military officials confirmed that no injuries or damage resulted from this interaction between the two nations' assets.