Finnish navy increases Baltic Sea presence following recent security concerns

The Finnish navy has announced it will boost its operational presence in the Baltic Sea, with a Hämeenmaa-class vessel spotted Friday in the port of Kotka, reports public broadcaster Yle. The move follows heightened military activity in the region after a Ukrainian drone strike in eastern Gulf of Finland.

Local resident Juha Tainio observed the vessel near Kotka’s Sapokka area, identifying it as part of the Hämeenmaa class—a type of minelayer designed for open-sea and ice operations. According to Finland’s Defence Forces, these ships support tasks including maritime traffic protection, surveillance, and command roles, as well as international crisis management.

Tainio noted that military vessels have become a familiar sight in the area. “Perfectly normal. It’s good that they’re here,” he said. The Defence Forces have intensified monitoring in the Gulf of Finland since the drone incident, with increased activity by fighter jets and naval units, particularly in southeastern Finland.

Timo Rosendahl, traffic director at the Port of Hamina-Kotka, confirmed that Defence Forces visits to Kotka’s main harbor are routine, occurring “whenever operations or exercises require it.” He declined to speculate on the purpose of the current visit, stating that only the Defence Forces could provide details.

Residents in Virolahti, further east, reported hearing fighter jet activity overnight Wednesday, with local Harri Olli noting the aircraft were audible “dozens of kilometers away” when winds carried the sound. Similar observations were shared in a local Facebook group, though the Defence Forces did not confirm specific operations at the time.