Finnish reservist ready for drone surveillance duties if called up after incidents in home region

Finnish reservist Kaapo Kalenius is prepared to assist in drone monitoring operations if activated, following reports that two Ukrainian drones crashed in his home region of South Karelia, public broadcaster Yle reports.

The Finnish Defence Forces announced Monday it would summon reservists who have given prior consent to participate in territorial surveillance tasks, including drone monitoring—a growing concern after multiple drone incidents in recent weeks. Kalenius, a resident of Ruokolahti, has not yet received a call-up but stands ready to deploy.

“I and others who have given consent are prepared for the possibility that the call could come,” Kalenius said.

The Defence Forces have not disclosed how many reservists have been summoned or where the exercises will take place, citing operational security. Typically, reservists receive at least three months’ notice before drills, but this requirement can be waived with the reservist’s consent.

Kari Salminen, chair of the Finnish Reservist Association, described the current call-ups as unusual but not unprecedented. He noted that over half of his own former service unit had given consent for short-notice activation. “Each reservist must assess whether they can leave work and manage personal affairs to deploy quickly,” Salminen said.

Four Ukrainian drones crashed in Finland in late March and early April, landing in Parikkala, Luumäki, Kouvola, and Iitti. While the Defence Forces emphasize there is no current military threat against Finland, the incidents have prompted increased vigilance. The drones likely strayed during Ukrainian strikes on Russian ports near the Finnish border.

Researcher Charly Salonius-Pasternak suggested reservists could assist in setting up radar systems, monitoring feeds, and conducting ground searches. Kalenius, whose military training included basic drone operations, agreed: “Even if we can’t spot drones in the air, we can help locate them on the ground.”

The Finnish Border Guard has also stepped up drone-defence drills in the Gulf of Finland. Salminen stressed that the call-ups remain standard peacetime preparedness. “We prepare for the worst and hope for the best,” he said.