Two drones enter Finnish airspace in rare incident

Finnish public broadcaster Yle is covering a developing situation after two drones entered Finnish airspace in southeastern Finland on Sunday, with at least one confirmed to be of Ukrainian origin.

Authorities report that one drone crashed north of Kouvola and another east of the city. Police have cordoned off both areas for further investigation, while the Finnish Air Force deployed an F/A-18 Hornet fighter jet for identification.

Prime Minister Petteri Orpo stated that all relevant agencies are responding to the incident, noting that the decision to shoot down drones in the future would be evaluated on a case-by-case basis. Defence Minister Antti Häkkänen described the situation as being treated with “the utmost seriousness.”

A separate, unidentified drone was also reported to have landed on sea ice near Espoo’s Haukilahden area, prompting police to restrict access while investigations continue.

The downed drone in Kouvola has been identified as a Ukrainian AN196 model, a long-range drone with a 6.7-metre wingspan capable of carrying a 75 kg payload and flying over 600 km, according to Ukrainian media reports.

Military analyst Emil Kastehelmi of Black Bird Group called the incident “exceptional” but noted that an organised drone campaign had been underway near the border for days. He stressed that while risks had materialised, the absence of injuries was critical. “Civil society need not be alarmed—these remain isolated cases,” Kastehelmi said, adding that Finland’s preparedness was now being tested.

Defence Forces are expected to hold a press briefing later today.