Missile error leads Danish authorities to close airspace

Copenhagen: Danish authorities warned that there was a risk that the missile could be launched inadvertently, but not explode, due to a technical error.

Denmark’s armed forces said a technical problem arose with a Harpoon missile aboard the Danish frigate HDMS Niels Juel while it was participating in a test while anchored at the Korsoer naval base.

“The launch vehicle, the booster, is activated and currently cannot be deactivated,” the military said in a statement.

The military said the missile is active, but only the booster is activated and there is no danger of the missile exploding or going further than the rocket booster can lift it. It says: “Until the booster is deactivated, there is a risk that the missile will launch and fly several kilometers away.”