Russian intelligence steps up focus on Finland’s defence industry

Russian intelligence activity targeting Finland has intensified, with a focus on online networks, critical systems and the defence industry, Yle reports.

Finnish Defence Forces intelligence chief Pekka Turunen and Juha Martelius, head of the Finnish Security and Intelligence Service, said they shared a similar assessment. Turunen said information-gathering about targets, society and critical systems could also be preparation for sabotage.

Turunen said unusual activity had been observed particularly near garrisons and NATO exercises. He added that intelligence efforts against Finland were highly active in cyberspace.

Martelius said Russian sabotage activity in Europe had focused especially on the defence industry. He identified small technology start-ups connected to the defence sector as a particular challenge because they may lack the resources for comprehensive security measures. At least one small Finnish technology company has been confirmed as a target of increased intelligence activity, he said.

Neither official considers a military threat to Finland likely at present. Turunen said Russian ground forces and marines are tied up on the Ukrainian front, making a larger military operation less likely. Martelius urged Finns to remain calm.