Finland restricts shipping in Gulf of Finland over drone threat
Photo: Gulf of Finland (Pixabay)
Finland's military temporarily restricted shipping in the eastern part of the Gulf of Finland. Officials said the decision was made to ensure public safety and preserve the ability to respond quickly in the event of a potential drone threat, according to Yle.
Precautionary measures
The Finnish Defense Forces imposed a temporary restriction on shipping in the eastern part of the Gulf of Finland on the morning of July 18.
According to the military, the decision was precautionary and was related to the possible need to respond to a potential drone threat.
The restrictions took effect at 5:45 a.m. local time.
Why the restrictions were introduced
The Finnish Defense Forces said the temporary measures were intended to protect public safety and ensure that authorities could respond quickly in the event of a potential drone attack.
The military emphasized that the measures were purely precautionary.
What the military says
Katri Kokkola, a representative of the Finnish Defense Forces' General Staff, said that no drones capable of deviating from their flight paths and entering Finnish airspace had been detected so far.
According to Kokkola, Finnish forces nevertheless strengthened the country's air defense system as an additional precaution.
Airspace remains open
Despite the shipping restrictions, Finland did not impose any restrictions on the use of its airspace on July 18. Authorities continue to monitor the situation and are prepared to take additional measures if necessary.
As previously reported, Finland is considered one of Europe's best-prepared countries in terms of civil defense. The country's network of shelters is designed to provide protection for most of Helsinki's residents in a short period of time in the event of a military threat.
