Finnish authorities search for drone near Russian border in Lemi

Finnish defence forces and police conducted a nighttime search for a drone in Lemi, South Karelia, following a public tip-off, reports public broadcaster Yle.

The operation began shortly after 1 a.m. on Kuukanniemi beach, where a helicopter scanned the area with a searchlight before landing. The search lasted about an hour, with the aircraft remaining on the ground for most of that time.

The Finnish Defence Forces confirmed to Yle that they had carried out a task in the area but provided no further details. Police also attended the scene but found no reason to continue the search after assessing reports from the public.

Authorities noted that such investigations have become routine as public reports of suspicious activity increase. Lemi is located roughly 30 kilometres from the Russian border, between Lappeenranta and Savitaipale.

The incident follows heightened surveillance along Finland’s eastern border and a morning airspace threat warning issued in Latvia’s border region.