Finland scrambled fighter jets to search for unidentified drones near the Russian border

On Sunday, May 17, Finland scrambled fighter jets to search for unidentified drones near the border with the Russian Federation. The country's Defense Forces also confirmed they conducted a night mission in the Kuukaniemi area. This was reported by Yle, according to UNN.

Details

It is noted that F-18 jet fighters were even deployed during the operation.

At night, the Finnish Armed Forces and police searched for a drone in Kuukaniemi, Lemi province, which is approximately 30 kilometers from the Russian border,

According to an eyewitness, a helicopter flying slowly and low scanned the area with a searchlight and landed on a sandy field in Kuukaniemi. The Finnish Defense Forces confirmed they had a night mission in the Kuukaniemi area.

The police also added that they have recently received many reports of spotted drones and suspicious individuals. Police officers go to the scene to verify these reports, and this has already become a routine duty.

In addition, F/A-18 fighter jets were spotted in southeastern Finland and the Pirkanmaa region, engaged in enhanced surveillance of the border area's airspace. 

Recall

On Friday, May 15, Finland stated that at least one drone had entered their airspace. Helsinki Airport suspended operations, and a number of flights were canceled or rescheduled due to the temporary closure of the airspace, while fighter jets were scrambled.