Finland proposes NATO to establish reconnaissance drone base
Illustrative photo (pixabay.com)
Finland has proposed to the North Atlantic Alliance the placement of a new military base on its territory. Specifically, Helsinki could become a base for large NATO reconnaissance drones, according to Yle.
The media says that the most likely location for the new base is Pirkkala, though three alternative sites are also being considered.
Currently, NATO drones are based in Italy, but they have already been used in Finnish airspace to gather data on the eastern border.
Plans for the new base are at an early stage, but the Alliance is actively looking for opportunities to expand the presence of drones in Northern Europe.
A final decision on the base's location is expected next year.
Finland's NATO membership
Finland's accession to NATO was a significant geopolitical event that occurred on April 4, 2023. This decision, made in the context of escalating international tensions and Russian aggression in Ukraine, strengthened Finland's defense capabilities and significantly altered the balance of power in Northern Europe.
Historically neutral Finland, which shares a border with Russia spanning over a thousand kilometers, had long maintained a policy of non-interference in military conflicts.
However, recent events, including Russia's annexation of Crimea and the full-scale invasion of Ukraine, forced Finnish leadership to reconsider its foreign policy. Joining NATO was seen as a response to the growing threat from Russia and a guarantee of security for the Finnish people.
Earlier, Finnish Defense Minister Antti Häkkänen stated that Finland would host a new NATO land command unit.
