Finnish defence forces did not intercept drones due to proximity to Russian border

The Finnish Defence Forces did not attempt to intercept two unidentified drones detected in Finnish airspace near Virolahti on Sunday, citing their close proximity to the Russian border, Yle reports.

In a statement, the Defence Forces confirmed that the drones were not engaged because “during peacetime, drones cannot be intercepted near the border or in another state’s airspace.” Earlier guidance from the military has also stated that interception only occurs after positive identification and when there is no risk of munitions crossing into Russian territory.

The drones entered Finnish airspace from the south and flew toward the eastern Gulf of Finland before exiting back toward Russian airspace, according to current data. Authorities noted that the flight path did not direct the drones deeper into Finland but instead followed the border eastward.

Finland’s Border Guard is investigating the airspace violation, while the Defence Forces declined to confirm whether the drones had been identified. On Sunday, the military established a temporary no-fly zone off the coasts of Kotka and Hamina to restrict civilian air traffic and enable freer response to potential threats.

Four drones believed to be of Ukrainian origin have previously been found on Finnish soil. Ukraine conducted a drone strike on Sunday against the Koivisto (Primorsk) oil terminal in Russia.