Key facts
- Finland is investigating a possible territorial violation after a drone washed ashore on its southern coast.
- The drone is believed to be a Geoscan 701 type, used for surveying and mapping.
- Authorities have confirmed the drone does not pose a danger to the public.
- The origin and operator of the drone are currently unknown.
- The incident occurred on the shore of an island in the Porvoo archipelago.
Finland's Border Guard authority is investigating a potential territorial violation after a surveillance drone was discovered on the shore of its southern coast. The aircraft, found by a civilian on a beach in the Porvoo archipelago on Tuesday evening, is believed to be a Geoscan 701 type drone, commonly used for surveying and mapping.
Authorities have stated that the drone does not pose a danger to the public and is not considered a war drone. However, at this stage, the origin, operator, and specific purpose of the drone remain unconfirmed. The investigation aims to determine precisely where, when, and how the aircraft entered Finnish territory.
Minister of Defence Antti Häkkänen noted that it is too early to assess whether the drone originated from neighboring Russia, but acknowledged that it could have drifted from other parts of the Baltic Sea. He also mentioned that Finland has reported stray Ukrainian drones crashing on its territory this year, and Ukraine has attacked Russian oil ports in the Gulf of Finland.