Sweden Supports Finland in Territorial Surveillance

This autumn, the Swedish Armed Forces will contribute units to strengthen Finland’s territorial defence against drones. Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine has led to an increase in drone incursions into allied airspace, including Finnish airspace. The Swedish Armed Forces are now strengthening the Alliance’s eastern defence with counter-drone capabilities in the air and at sea.

In recent times, allied airspace has been extensively violated by drones. The airspace of Finland, Romania, Poland and the Baltic countries has all been subject to drone incursions. In August alone, more than 20 drone incursions into Romanian territory have occurred.

In response to a request for support through joint operations, Sweden has agreed to provide military support to Finland in order to further strengthen its defence against drone incursions.

“Swedish-Finnish cooperation is far-reaching, and we are now enhancing it further through joint operations. Finland’s cause is our cause – not only in words but also in action. Their border with Russia is also our border when it comes to the defence of the Nordic region, Europe and NATO. We are now strengthening our joint capability to protect allied territory,” says Vice Admiral Ewa Skoog Haslum, Chief of Joint Operations.

The operation to support Finland will begin and continue throughout the autumn. Swedish units will, if deemed necessary, be placed under Finnish command in order to detect and repel threats to Finnish sovereignty. This may include Swedish JAS 39 Gripen fighter aircraft, Visby-class corvettes, and radar and air-defence systems.

Sweden has previously provided similar support to Denmark in the form of counter-drone capabilities, and has also contributed to NATO's Air Policing in Poland and Iceland.