Finland and Sweden will strengthen their defenses against drones
Finland and Sweden have agreed to strengthen their capabilities to detect and counter drones in light of recent incidents involving violations of Finnish airspace.
The ministry noted that the two countries will deepen their cooperation in the areas of territorial surveillance and the protection of Finland’s territorial integrity. This is intended to support NATO’s deterrence and defense policy.
As part of the agreement, Sweden will participate in monitoring and ensuring Finland’s territorial integrity. To this end, they plan to deploy Swedish Air Force fighter jets and Navy ships.
At the same time, control over Finnish territory will remain under Finnish leadership and will be carried out in accordance with national legislation.
“Going forward, Sweden will participate in monitoring and ensuring Finland’s territorial integrity using Air Force fighter jets and Navy ships. Control over the territory will continue to be carried out under Finnish leadership and in accordance with the powers provided for in the Territory Control Act,” said Finnish Defense Minister Antti Hykkänen.
According to Hykkänen, enhanced cooperation will help better monitor Finland’s airspace in the event that drones accidentally cross the border during Ukrainian attacks on Russian territory.
The Finnish minister also noted that the risk of spy drones remains.
“Ukraine continues its legitimate defensive struggle, and the risk of spy drones appears to remain,” Hykkänen emphasized.
In addition to countering drones, Finland and Sweden are working to strengthen Finland’s defense capabilities and those of the entire northern NATO region.
This involves improving the two countries’ readiness to respond to various security scenarios and strengthening joint capabilities within the Alliance’s deterrence and defense framework.
This was reported by the press service of the Finnish Ministry of Defense.
On the morning of August 14, the Finnish Armed Forces temporarily restricted air and maritime traffic in the eastern part of the Gulf of Finland. The reason was the possible presence of drones.
Finland restricted air and maritime traffic due to the threat of drones.
As a reminder, Finland restricted shipping in the Gulf of Finland due to the Russian threat.
On the morning of July 4, the Finnish Armed Forces temporarily restricted air and maritime traffic in the eastern part of the Gulf of Finland. These measures were implemented for security reasons.
