Finland is looking to strengthen its air defense following the crash of two drones on its territory. The Scandinavian country is considering accelerating the development of its anti-drone defense system, announced Prime Minister Petteri Orpo on Tuesday, March 31. The two drones crashed on Sunday, March 29, in Kouvola and Luumaki in southeastern Finland.
Finnish authorities confirmed that one of them was Ukrainian while the other is likely also Ukrainian. This is the first time drones used in the war in Ukraine have been lost in Finland.
“We have discussed with authorities the ongoing plans to improve and develop defense against drones and countermeasures,” stated the Finnish Prime Minister during a press conference.
Drones likely deviated from their trajectory
“We are currently evaluating if it is possible and necessary to implement some of these plans on an accelerated schedule,” he added.
Any government decision should be made during the upcoming budget negotiations in Helsinki, “within a month at the latest,” added the government leader.
One of the drones was carrying an unexploded warhead that was destroyed in a controlled explosion. Ukraine apologized on Monday, March 31, to Finland for these drones, adding that they were likely off course due to Russian interference. “At this time, there is no indication that these drones were deliberately sent to Finland,” emphasized Petteri Orpo. “Finland is not facing a military threat,” he continued.
The Finnish defense forces and border guards had already increased their readiness against drones by taking “measures to monitor and preserve territorial integrity about a week ago” following the escalation of attacks by Ukraine on port facilities located on the Russian coast in the Gulf of Finland. The Scandinavian country, which joined NATO in 2023, shares a 1,340-kilometer border with Russia.
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