Finnish Defence Forces test counter-drone systems in major air defence exercise

The Finnish Defence Forces are conducting a large-scale air defence exercise in Kokkola, western Finland, featuring new countermeasures against small commercial drones, even as a drone alert was issued in the southern Uusimaa region on Friday.

Nearly 2,000 personnel from the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Border Guard are participating in the Mallet Strike 1/26 exercise in Lohtaja, Central Ostrobothnia, according to a report by Finnish broadcaster Yle. The drill includes live-fire anti-aircraft training from helicopters and, for the first time, soldier-operated systems designed to detect and neutralise small commercial drones.

Exercise director Colonel Mano-Mikael Nokelainen confirmed the drone alert in Uusimaa had no impact—”neither mental nor practical”—on the ongoing training. “The exercise is proceeding as planned,” he stated.

The biannual Mallet Strike is Finland’s primary reservist air defence exercise, focusing on performance development. It consists of two phases: live-fire training with anti-aircraft machine guns, cannons, and missiles, followed by simulated multi-layered air threats, including electronic warfare, helicopters, drones, and fighter jets.

Nokelainen emphasised the importance of live ammunition and missile tests to validate system functionality and build confidence. Finland is also establishing dedicated counter-drone units, with operational systems expected within two years to complement existing air defence.

While acknowledging that countering drones is more straightforward in wartime due to increased personnel, Nokelainen stressed that Finland’s conscript-based defence model ensures preparedness for exceptional conditions. “The Defence Forces are built for crises,” he noted.