Finnish authorities launched an investigation on Wednesday after a Russian military aircraft was suspected of entering Finnish airspace over the Gulf of Finland while avoiding thunderstorms near Porkkala.
Finland’s Ministry of Defence said the suspected airspace violation took place on Wednesday afternoon off the coast of Porkkala. The ministry said the aircraft altered its route due to storm conditions in the area.
The Finnish Air Force responded with an operational flight after detecting the incident.
Defence Minister Antti Häkkänen said an investigation began immediately after the suspected violation.
“The investigation into the suspected territorial violation has been launched immediately,” Häkkänen said in a statement issued by the ministry.
The Finnish Border Guard is leading the investigation and is expected to release further information once inquiries progress.
HT