Finnish fighter jet noise startles horses and wildlife, raising concerns over breeding disruptions

Low-flying fighter jets have caused panic among horses and wildlife in southeastern Finland, with experts warning that aircraft noise could disrupt animal breeding cycles, Yle reports.

The incidents follow increased military flights in the region due to recent drone incursions into Finnish airspace. In late March, a jet on an identification mission flew at low altitude over a trotting stable in Hamina, terrifying two horses in an outdoor enclosure.

Roope Iltanen, co-owner of the stable, described the moment the jet passed overhead at what he estimated was just 1,000 meters altitude. “The sound was deafening—I even had to cover my ears,” he said. “Luckily, the horses bolted into a shelter in the enclosure instead of crashing through the fence. That could have had serious consequences.”

The stable’s dogs also fled in fear, trembling under furniture. Finland’s Defense Forces estimate ground-level noise from the jets can reach 80–110 decibels at peak moments.

Equine behavior researcher Karin Hemmann of the University of Helsinki explained that horses’ acute hearing makes them particularly sensitive to high-frequency sounds like jet engines. “As prey animals, they’re hardwired to react instantly to threats,” she said. “Sudden, loud noises can trigger a fight-or-flight response.” In extreme cases, panicked horses may injure themselves or nearby humans—especially dangerous if being ridden or harnessed to a carriage.

Wildlife faces similar risks. Otso Huitu, head of the Natural Resources Institute Finland’s (Luke) game ecology group, warned that spring is a critical breeding season for many species. “If a mother with newborns is startled and abandons them, the offspring may die from exposure or starvation,” he said. Sensitivity varies by species—some birds may abandon nests after a single scare, while others tolerate repeated disturbances.

Farm animals are also vulnerable. Jaakko Mononen, head of Luke’s farm animal welfare group, cited U.S. studies showing cattle can panic during loud flyovers, risking injuries from collisions. Research on mammals suggests panic reactions surge when noise exceeds 100 decibels, though poultry may be affected at lower levels. “At minimum, they’ll be startled,” Mononen said. “At worst, they’ll panic.”

Defense Forces have not commented on potential adjustments to flight patterns. The stable owners in Hamina reported no lasting harm to their animals but remain concerned about future incidents.