Finland calls up reservists to monitor drones as military resources stretch thin

The Finnish Defence Forces will summon reservists for refresher training to help monitor the country’s territorial integrity, as drone surveillance diverts significant military resources, Yle reports.

Reservists who have given their consent will be called up to support regional surveillance tasks, according to a statement from the Defence Command. The move aims to leverage reservists’ expertise while ensuring adequate personnel if the situation prolongs.

“With these voluntary refresher exercises, we utilise reservists’ skills as needed and secure sufficient staffing if the situation continues,” said Brigadier General Aki Heikkinen, head of readiness at the Defence Command.

Drone monitoring has recently consumed substantial Defence Forces capacity. The Air Force and Navy have maintained an increased presence in the eastern Gulf of Finland and southeastern Finnish airspace to track potential drone incursions. Four drones of confirmed or suspected Ukrainian origin have been found on Finnish soil, with authorities warning more could be discovered.

The Defence Forces did not disclose specific details about the reservists’ assignments, citing operational security.

In a related incident, one drone that crashed in the Kouvola region could have been downed over the Gulf of Finland, but the Navy reportedly did not receive permission to open fire.