Finnish police to gain authority to shoot down drones if necessary

The Finnish government has proposed new legislation that would allow police to use force, including shooting down drones and unmanned aerial vehicles, according to a report by national broadcaster Yle.

The draft law, now open for expert consultation, would grant police the power to disable drones by technical means or, if needed, by firing at them. The changes would also expand the Finnish Defence Forces’ ability to assist authorities in intercepting unauthorized drone activity.

The Interior Ministry stated that the amendments aim to strengthen inter-agency cooperation in rapidly evolving security situations.

In recent months, four drones—reportedly of Ukrainian origin—have been discovered in southeastern Finland. Three were found in March, with a fourth located in a forest in Iitti in April. Police and defence forces detonated a combat charge from one of the drones after securing the area.

Under the proposed law, authorities would have clearer legal grounds to respond to unauthorized drone operations, which have raised security concerns.