Finland strengthens port security after drones strike within 100 km of major export hub

Finland has intensified surveillance at its largest export ports in Kotka and Hamina following drone incidents near its borders, Yle reports.

The HaminaKotka port complex, responsible for handling about 95% of Finland’s foreign trade by volume, has updated its security protocols after three Ukrainian drones strayed into Finnish airspace in late March. The drones were part of Ukraine’s attacks on Russian ports.

Timo Rosendahl, traffic director at HaminaKotka, confirmed that while ground-based monitoring had previously been prioritised, airspace surveillance is now receiving greater focus. “We’ve been closely following developments, like all citizens,” Rosendahl said. “Satellite ports have long been no-fly zones, but we’ve sharpened our security plans further.”

Unauthorised drones have occasionally entered port airspace before, but reports of sightings are now processed more swiftly. Finnish ministers have also weighed in: transport minister Lulu Ranne and economic affairs minister Sakari Puisto stressed that uninterrupted port operations are “vital” for Finland, given that nearly all its foreign trade moves by sea.

Military drills target drone threats at sea
The Finnish Border Guard has conducted live-fire exercises off Kotka this week, practicing drone interception with naval artillery. Poor weather delayed some drills, but Ilja Iljin, deputy commander of the Gulf of Finland Coast Guard, assured that operations would proceed under any conditions if necessary. “We’re maintaining readiness to down stray drones over water, minimising risks to coastal infrastructure,” Iljin said.

Enhanced patrols, new observation posts, and strengthened inter-agency cooperation form part of the ongoing security boost. The Border Guard vessel Turva has been redeployed to the eastern Gulf of Finland, while coastal patrol boats now operate with increased frequency.

Rosendahl acknowledged that evolving global threats pose a long-term challenge. “No one can predict exactly what will happen next, but we must adapt,” he said.