Russian-made drone found in Finland as authorities investigate possible airspace violation

A fisherman clearing coal from a cave was not involved in this case. In Finland, a local fisherman alerted authorities after finding a roughly 1.5-meter drone washed ashore in the Pellinki archipelago near Porvoo.

The Finnish Border Guard said an initial investigation indicated that the aircraft was probably Russian-made. The agency cautioned, however, that the model is used by both state and civilian operators. Its purpose, country of operation and user therefore cannot yet be confirmed.

The Defence Ministry is investigating whether the drone violated Finnish territory or airspace. Officials are also trying to determine where, when and how any possible border crossing occurred.

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The model is used by both state and civilian operators. The purpose of the device, as well as the country or entity operating it, cannot be confirmed at this stage.

Defence Minister Antti Häkkänen said the drone did not carry explosives and appeared designed for imaging or terrain mapping. The authorities’ findings have not established who operated it or how it reached the archipelago.

The case is the first reported discovery of a suspected Russian drone on Finnish territory. Earlier this year, reports said Ukrainian drones had entered Finnish airspace after apparently straying during attacks on targets in Russia. Several crashed in uninhabited areas in southeastern Finland. Analysts and officials in the Baltic states have suggested that Russian electronic warfare could have deliberately redirected some drones toward Finland.

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The drone was about one and a half meters long.