Finland reports two drone crashes, alleges territorial violation

Finland's Defense Ministry reported Sunday a suspected territorial violation involving unmanned aerial vehicles in the southern part of the country. According to the ministry, "a few low-flying slow objects were observed in Finnish airspace in the sea area and in southeastern Finland on Sunday morning."

The incident began around 08:13 local time when the Finnish Air Force detected several objects, including drones, approaching Finnish territorial waters. In response, the air force dispatched F/A-18 Hornet fighter jets to conduct an identification mission.

"One drone has fallen to the ground north of Kouvola and another drone east of Kouvola. The police have cordoned off the areas for further investigation," the Defense Ministry stated. According to reports, at least one of the aircraft was shot down by Finnish fighter jets.

Defense Minister Antti Hakkanen said in a statement: "Drones have strayed into Finland's territory. We take this very seriously." He added that the investigation was ongoing "and further details will be provided once the information has been verified."

Finnish Prime Minister Petteri Orpo called for calm, stating that "the Armed Forces are investigating" the incident. The authorities have not yet publicly identified the origin of the drones, though sources indicate the aircraft were of Ukrainian origin.

Police secured both crash sites for further investigation. The Finnish military confirmed the deployment of F/A-18 Hornet jets and mobilized security forces to examine the unmanned aircraft and the circumstances of their entry into Finnish airspace.