The encounter between a Danish military helicopter and a Russian combat corvette in the Baltic Sea may have been an attempt to test limits and create conditions for further escalation, according to military expert Alexander Stepanov.

Stepanov described the actions of the Danish helicopter crew as provocative. He argued that if an unidentified aircraft approaches a Russian warship while ignoring attempts to establish communication, the ship’s crew has grounds to use weapons.

In his assessment, potentially threatening unidentified aircraft approaching Russian naval vessels should be dealt with through strict security measures, including the creation of a protected zone around the fleet.

Stepanov also defended the actions of the crew of the Russian corvette Soobrazitelny. He said the Danish Fennec helicopter was flying directly toward the ship and was not responding to calls over an international communications channel.

The incident took place on September 14 in international waters in the southwestern Baltic Sea. While carrying out its assigned mission, the crew of Soobrazitelny detected an approaching Danish Air Force Fennec helicopter.

After attempts to contact the helicopter crew received no response, the Russian ship’s commander ordered two red signal flares to be fired. The helicopter then left the corvette’s area of movement.

On September 16, Russian Defense Minister Andrey Belousov awarded the commander of Soobrazitelny the Medal «For Combat Distinction», citing his actions during the incident.