Finnish Defence Forces did not recommend emergency alert for fallen drones: “Criteria not met”

The Finnish Defence Forces has stated that it did not recommend issuing an emergency alert to the public after drones crashed in Finland, as the established criteria for such warnings were not fulfilled, reports public broadcaster Yle.

According to the Defence Forces, clear guidelines and tested communication channels exist between authorities for public warnings. In an email to Yle, officials confirmed that these criteria were reviewed with relevant authorities and determined not to warrant an alert.

Air Force Commander Major General Timo Herranen also stated on Monday that the Defence Forces saw no reason to initiate broader public alert measures.

Under Finnish law, an emergency alert may only be issued if necessary to warn the population of an event posing an immediate threat to life, health, or significant property damage. The Defence Forces is not among the authorities legally authorised to issue such alerts.

Finnish media reported earlier on Tuesday that Finland is developing a warning system for aerial threats, modelled after Ukraine’s system, with drone alerts expected to reach citizens’ phones by 2027.