Finnish fighter jets patrol skies amid Ukrainian drone strikes on Russian oil terminals

Finnish Air Force F/A-18 Hornet jets have conducted increased patrols over southern Finland in recent days following Ukrainian drone attacks on Russian oil terminals in the eastern Gulf of Finland, public broadcaster Yle reports.

The Finnish Defence Forces confirmed on Friday that it has intensified surveillance and security measures to monitor the region’s airspace. The operations focus on preventing drones—whether intentional or accidental—from entering Finnish territory.

“These measures are a response to Ukraine’s activities near our borders,” a Defence Forces spokesperson stated. “The jets are there to ensure no drones stray into Finnish airspace while we maintain situational awareness of the area.”

The heightened activity has been most visible in southeastern Finland and the eastern Gulf of Finland, with Air Force fighters and Navy rapid-response vessels deployed for monitoring tasks. Authorities stressed Finland’s capability to intercept unauthorised unmanned aircraft in its airspace.