Finnish authorities have launched an investigation into a possible airspace violation after an unidentified drone was found on the shore of the Pellinki archipelago in the Gulf of Finland.
A member of the public reported finding the unmanned aircraft on 1 September. A Finnish Border Guard patrol went to the site near Porvoo and confirmed the find.
The Border Guard is investigating the aircraft’s origin, its possible flight or drifting route and the circumstances that brought it to the Finnish coast. Authorities have not established whether the incident involved a violation of Finnish territory.
Initial information from the Defence Ministry indicates that the fixed-wing aircraft was designed for mapping.
The Border Guard said the aircraft poses no danger to the public. The agency is working with police and the Finnish Defence Forces.
The investigation comes as Finland works with neighbouring countries on surveillance in the Baltic Sea region. Sweden is sending Gripen fighter aircraft and a Visby-class corvette to support Finland’s monitoring operations.
Defence Minister Antti Häkkänen said Finland retains the capacity to monitor its territorial integrity and described Sweden’s participation as a way to reduce pressure on Finnish personnel and resources.
A Polish Border Guard surveillance aircraft is also due to begin flights over the northern Baltic Sea and Finnish maritime areas in early September.
The Border Guard said its investigation remains under way and that it will release further information as the inquiry progresses.
HT