Finnish Defence Forces constructing permanent combat positions in Kymenlaakso

The Finnish Defence Forces will build permanent combat positions along the Kymenlaakso coastline in May, according to a report by national broadcaster Yle.

The fortifications will be erected in locations including Virolahti’s Klamila harbour and the Kirkonmaa archipelago in Kotka, said Commander Veli Pihlaja of the Coastal Brigade. Similar structures already exist at Finnish garrisons, he noted.

The Coastal Brigade will conduct exercises in the Gulf of Finland throughout May, including in Kotka, Hamina, and Virolahti. The combat positions will be constructed during the Tukimuuri 26 logistics exercise, led by the Defence Forces’ Logistics Centre, beginning 17 May.

“The positions will be built from concrete modules and large sandbags, with some dug into the ground like covered foxholes,” Pihlaja said. They will remain in place after the exercise but will be locked to prevent unauthorised access. The Defence Forces have requested that the public avoid photographing or sharing precise locations of the positions, particularly on social media.

Movement restrictions will apply in the Klamila harbour area due to construction and exercises, with checkpoints in place. Live-fire drills using blank ammunition will take place 20–22 May, with the exercise concluding on 29 May.

The drills are routine training and unrelated to countering potential cross-border drones, the Coastal Brigade clarified. The Tukimuuri 26 exercise will be followed by the Narrow Waters 26 naval exercise, involving international forces alongside the Coastal Brigade.