Finland considers additional funding for drone defence in budget talks

Finland may allocate extra funds to counter drone threats as part of upcoming budget negotiations, Prime Minister Petteri Orpo told public broadcaster Yle on Friday.

The move follows the discovery of four stray drones in Finland, most recently in Iitti on Saturday. Authorities believe the drones, including three found in southeastern Finland in March, are of Ukrainian origin. Orpo suggested the latest drone is likely similar to the previous cases, with the same probable cause for their arrival in Finland.

While stressing there is no immediate cause for concern, Orpo noted that Finland has already “significantly strengthened” its drone detection and defence capabilities. Border guard, defence forces, and police readiness levels have all been raised. “Authorities have analysed the incidents thoroughly, and there is no acute concern,” he said.

The government will assess in mid-April’s budget session whether additional funding is needed, particularly for the Border Guard’s resources. Finland is already implementing multi-million-euro projects to improve drone monitoring and countermeasures. “If there are urgent gaps or needs, we will seek funding for them in the budget framework,” Orpo stated.

Finland is also developing a drone warning system for mobile phones, modelled on Ukraine’s system, originally slated for 2027. Orpo confirmed efforts are underway to accelerate its launch. He emphasised that Finland has urged Ukraine to prevent drones from entering Finnish airspace during its military operations.

Orpo added that public communication will be “more open and faster” in any future incidents, citing successful coordination between state leadership, authorities, and the public in the Iitti case. While some drones have been found by civilians, he assured that all intelligence reports are thoroughly investigated.