How to recognise the sound of approaching drones – listen to recordings

Finnish public broadcaster Yle has published audio and video recordings to help the public identify the sound of drones, after several Ukrainian attack drones strayed into Finnish airspace in recent days.

Authorities have confirmed that at least three drones entered Finland from Ukraine over the weekend, with warnings that more could follow. Security analyst Emil Kastehelmi of Black Bird Group told Yle that the buzzing or humming noise is often the first sign of an approaching drone.

“Longer-range drones approaching can sound like this,” Kastehelmi said, referring to recordings of a drone that exploded after hitting ice in Lithuania on 23 March. He noted that drone sounds vary depending on engine type—whether jet or propeller—but typically intensify as the device nears.

Finnish police have urged the public to report suspicious drone sightings. If a sudden buzzing noise grows louder, Kastehelmi advises looking skyward immediately. The Finnish Air Force identified one downed drone near Kouvola as a Ukrainian AN-196 model, whose sound is also featured in Yle’s recordings.

Authorities recommend seeking shelter indoors if a drone behaves erratically, such as flying at low altitude or in restricted areas. Staying away from windows and remaining in central parts of buildings is advised. For those outdoors, finding the most protected spot possible is critical.

Finland is developing a text-message-based warning system and a mobile app to alert the public to approaching drones, though both are not expected to be operational before late 2027. Meanwhile, the 112 emergency app will soon include a feature to relay air raid alerts directly to phones.