Finnish air force allowed drones to land rather than shoot them down

The Finnish air force chose not to destroy two drones flying over southeastern Finland on Sunday, opting instead to let them land on their own, Yle reports. Experts explain that the decision was made to avoid potential ground damage and escalation risks.

Finnish F/A-18 Hornet fighters are equipped with three weapons systems capable of downing airborne targets: a cannon effective up to 1,500 meters, Sidewinder heat-seeking missiles, and radar-guided AMRAAM missiles. However, using these weapons carries risks.

The cannon’s explosive rounds can cause ground damage if they miss their target or fall to earth. Over populated areas—such as Kouvola, where the drones were tracked—firing poses a risk of stray rounds detonating in the city. Missiles, while precise, cost between €500,000 and over €1 million each, making them an expensive option for small drones.

Former Finnish Defence Forces commander Jarmo Lindberg, now a member of parliament, noted that while operating a Hornet costs €10,000 per hour, this is relatively inexpensive compared to the potential damage from a drone crash. The drones in question were the size of small aircraft, valued at over €200,000 each.

Visual identification is critical before engagement. Pilots rely on radar, infrared cameras, and helmet-mounted displays to confirm targets. In Kouvola, one drone was visually confirmed before landing in Oravala, while the second, which crashed in Luumäki, was tracked but not visually identified. Without confirmation, engaging an unidentified drone in peacetime requires additional authorization.

Finnish protocols prioritize avoiding unnecessary escalation. The decision to fire ultimately rests with the pilot, who assesses risks—whether destroying the drone or allowing it to land poses a greater threat. In this case, both drones were permitted to descend without intervention.