Finland to help protect Danish airspace from drones
Finland will deploy a detachment capable of identifying and countering drones such as those sighted over several Nordic airports in recent weeks. Finland will participate in securing Danish airspace during the informal meeting of the members of the European Council on Wednesday and the meeting of the European Political Community (EPC) on Thursday.
The Finnish Defence Ministry announced on Tuesday that Finland will send a military unit capable of identifying and countering drones to Denmark.
Finland will be represented at the meetings by Prime Minister Petteri Orpo (NCP), who cancelled a public appearance on Monday due to illness.
In Parliament on Tuesday, the premier said he was pleased that Finland was able to respond to Denmark’s request for assistance.
“This is a new type of threat and such a surprising situation that it is clear that Denmark does not have all the resources that are needed. That’s why we have allies, so that you can ask for help even in an acute situation,” Orpo told Yle.
Finnish team “has the right to use force”
According to Orpo, a team of about 40 is heading to Denmark. When asked about shooting down drones, Orpo replied that that is for the host country Denmark to decide on, but that the Finnish unit has the capability to counter them.
“Situations will be assessed on a case-by-case basis. If the situation requires it, there is also the right to use force,” he said.
In a ministry statement, Defence Minister Antti Häkkänen (NCP) said that “by joining the operation, we send a concrete message of support to another Nordic country and Nato ally. Drones are a topical threat, and Finland has strong capability in countering them,” he added.
Denmark has banned the flying of civilian drones through Friday this week. That follows a string of drone sightings near airports and military targets over the past week in Denmark and Norway, leading to some airport closures.
Related stories from around the North:
Canada: Northern airlines say feds should intervene if they want lower prices for the North, CBC North
Finland: Record December passenger numbers for airports in Arctic Finland, Eye on the Arctic
Norway: Air France launches flights to three destinations above the Arctic Circle, The Independent Barents Observer
Sweden: Northern Scandinavia to pioneer commercial flights with electric planes, Radio Sweden
