Finnish Police Decline Drone Incursion Probe, Explain Why

For three hours on Friday morning, air traffic at Helsinki Airport was disrupted following reports of drone incursions into Finnish airspace. Despite this, Finland's Inspector General of Police, Sami Hatanen, announced that the police do not intend to open an investigation into these reports.

"The police are obligated to conduct a preliminary investigation if a drone crashes to the ground," Hatanen told Finnish broadcaster Yle, noting that in this case, there is nothing warranting a preliminary investigation or any other measures. He added that authorities received reports of the drone incursions early Friday morning and declared the danger had passed around 7:00 AM.

Military and Presidential Stance

Kari Nisula, head of operations for the Finnish Defence Forces, stated that authorities received warnings about the possible entry of drones into the country's airspace but declined to provide any further details. Meanwhile, President Alexander Stubb, after receiving the morning reports, confirmed there was no direct military threat to Finland.

Kimmo Kohvakka, head of the rescue department at Finland's Ministry of the Interior, had told the Finnish News Agency (STT) that at least one drone entered Finnish airspace. However, the Finnish Defence Forces confirmed they did not detect anything of the sort.

Background of Repeated Reports

Since late March, Finnish authorities have received more than one report of drones entering the country's airspace. Investigations by law enforcement agencies have shown that these drones are of Ukrainian origin, and that at least three of them were carrying unexploded ordnance.