Finland explains why it didn't intercept drones that violated its airspace
Photo: Russian Shahed-type drone (Getty Images)
Finland did not intercept drones that violated its airspace because they were too close to the border with Russia, according to Yle.
The Finnish Armed Forces explained that in peacetime, intercepting drones is impossible directly near the border or in another country’s airspace.
The military also noted that they do not act until an object is identified and refrain from interception if there is a risk that debris or munitions could fall on Russian territory.
According to preliminary data, the drones entered Finland from the south, flew along the border for some time, then turned east and left the country’s airspace.
To monitor the situation, temporary flight restrictions were introduced in the areas of Kotka and Hamina in the eastern Gulf of Finland. This allowed the military to operate under more controlled conditions if interception became necessary.
The Border Guard is investigating the incident. At the same time, the Armed Forces have not specified whether the origin of the drones has been established.
On May 3, an unidentified drone violated Finland’s airspace near the Russian border. The drone was detected over the municipality of Virolahti, which borders Russia’s Leningrad region.
Its type and origin could not be determined. It later left the country’s airspace.
