Finnish defense expert warns unexploded drones may still be hidden in forests

A Finnish defense specialist has urged the public to remain vigilant in forests, as unexploded combat drones—some of which may detonate from even slight movement—could still be undiscovered after recent incidents. Three of the four drones found in Finland so far have required controlled detonation by authorities, public broadcaster Yle reports.

Jyri Kosola, a retired colonel and former research director for the Finnish Defence Forces, estimates that more drones will likely be found this spring as people return to forests for seasonal activities like foraging. Ukrainian forces have launched an estimated 2,500–3,000 drones, some of which may have crashed in Finnish territory after running out of fuel.

“Now that people are heading to their summer cottages and mushroom picking, they’ll likely spot these much more often than in early spring, when fewer people are out in the woods,” Kosola said.

When a drone’s fuel is exhausted, it falls uncontrollably, sometimes landing on its side or tail—preventing the detonator from activating. Kosola warns that even undamaged-looking drones may have highly sensitive mechanical impact fuses, designed to prevent premature explosions but capable of detonating if disturbed.

“Under no circumstances should anyone approach or kick it,” he stressed. “A slight shift in position could trigger an immediate explosion.”

How to spot and report a downed drone

Kosola advises forest-goers to scan not just the ground but also treetops, as drones may leave visible damage when crashing at an angle. Debris such as plastic or metal fragments could also indicate a crash site. If a suspected drone is found:

• Keep a safe distance and do not touch it.
• Call authorities immediately—Finnish police or defense forces.
• Take photos with location metadata enabled to help pinpoint the site.
• Stay nearby if safe to warn others until authorities arrive to secure the area.

Four drones have been recovered in Finland since late March, with the latest discovered in Iitti on April 11. All are believed to be of Ukrainian origin, matching previous finds in Kouvola, Luumäki, and Parikkala.