Finnish forces down target drone with interceptor drone for first time

The Finnish Defence Forces have shot down a target drone using an interceptor drone for the first time in Finland, Yle reports. The successful interception took place during an international air defence exercise at the Vattaja firing and training area in Lohtaja.

About 1,500 soldiers are taking part in the exercise, with most of them conscripts. Air defence units from Sweden, Norway and Britain are also participating.

Exercise deputy director Lieutenant Colonel Rauno Leppiviita said the growing use of drones in warfare had led the Defence Forces to adapt their training. The military has revised its techniques for fortifying positions, taking cover, camouflage and concealment, and is also practising the use of decoys to divert an enemy’s attention. Lessons have been drawn, among other places, from Ukraine.

New counter-drone systems, known as CUAS, are being used to detect and intercept small drones. The Defence Forces have also brought 23-millimetre guns back into training. Larger drones can sometimes be engaged with guns or missile systems, while individual soldiers may use a shotgun or assault rifle against the smallest drones. Electronic jamming is another countermeasure.

Non-commissioned officer cadet Samu Lahtinen, one of the first four conscripts assigned to a drone defence group, said soldiers were practising for the first time with assault rifles fitted with smart sights. No drones had yet been brought down with the rifles, he said, but their hit rate had improved.

Lahtinen said the prospect of facing thousands of drones or a daily drone threat in a real conflict was unsettling. He said it was difficult to imagine having to watch the sky constantly while also monitoring the enemy, but added that he believed Finland could stay out of war.

The firing phase of exercise ADEX Mallet Strike 2/26 runs from 10 to 14 November, followed by a combat phase from 15 to 19 November. It is the largest and most important exercise this year for the air defence branch’s conscript intake.