Finnish defence authorities issue guidelines for identifying military drones

The Finnish Defence Forces have published instructions to help the public distinguish between civilian and military drones, as recent incidents raise concerns over stray unmanned aircraft entering Finnish territory.

According to the guidelines, identifying whether a drone is designed for military or civilian use can be challenging for ordinary citizens, since both types may appear similar. As a rule of thumb, the Defence Forces advise paying attention to size: if the drone is large—comparable to a small aircraft—grey or black in colour, and lacks visible lights, it is likely intended for military or official government use.

Finland has experienced several cases of stray drones crossing its borders, linked to Ukraine’s drone strikes targeting Russian oil terminals in the Gulf of Finland. Some of these operations have involved up to 2,500 drones, with individual units occasionally deviating into Finnish airspace.

The Defence Forces urge caution when encountering any downed drones. Authorities recommend treating all such devices as potential hazards and reporting them immediately to the police.

Police have reminded the public that if an aircraft or its debris is spotted, it must not be approached or touched under any circumstances. Instead, people should move to a safe distance and contact emergency services by dialling 112. The area should be cordoned off to prevent others from getting close, and no images or location details should be shared on social media.

If a drone is observed near critical infrastructure or in a no-fly zone, the situation should be assessed carefully, and authorities notified if necessary.