Finnish Defence Forces deploys radar equipment at Kouvola ski centre

The Finnish Defence Forces has positioned mobile radar systems at Mielakka ski centre in Kouvola, according to local media reports. The equipment, which may be used for drone detection, was observed on Wednesday afternoon.

Regional newspaper Kouvolan Sanomat first reported the deployment, identifying the equipment as a transportable radar installation. The Finnish Defence Forces has not yet responded to requests from national broadcaster Yle for comment on the operation.

The land is owned by the city of Kouvola. Mayor Marita Toikka confirmed that the Defence Forces had informed the municipality of their use of the site, adding that all public communication regarding activities at the location would be handled by the military.

Photographs taken around 4 PM on Wednesday show multiple Defence Forces vehicles at the ski centre’s summit.

Increased surveillance follows drone incidents

The move follows recent drone activity in southeastern Finland. Ukrainian drones were recovered in Kouvola’s Savisto district, at Kannuskoski on the Kouvola-Luumäki border, and in Parikkala after crashing or landing between Sunday and Tuesday. Authorities detonated the drones found in Kouvola and Parikkala as a precautionary measure.

Last Friday, the Defence Forces announced it would intensify monitoring in response to Ukraine’s drone strikes against targets in Russia. The conflict has led to heightened vigilance along Finland’s eastern border region.