Finland closes airspace, restricts maritime traffic near Russia over drone risk
Finland's Response to Drone Incursions Near Russian Border
HELSINKI, July 28 (Reuters) - Finland's military said on Tuesday it had closed a section of Finnish airspace and restricted maritime traffic off the country's southern coast near the Russian border due to a risk of stray drones in the area.
Concerns Over Drone Spillover Into NATO Airspace
Ukrainian military drones targeting Russia have strayed into the airspace of Finland, Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania this year, raising concerns that the war in Ukraine is spilling over into NATO's northern borders.
Measures to Ensure Safety and Countermeasures
Finland was taking the steps "so that we can ensure the authorities are able to operate if drones were to stray into the area, meaning safe countermeasures and the safety of bystanders," a military spokesperson said.
Military's Stance on Operational Information
The spokesperson said the military could not comment on the source of the information about possible drone activity, "as it is operational information".
Drone Warfare and International Accusations
Ukraine has stepped up attacks on Russian targets with long range drones. It and NATO countries have blamed Russian signal jamming for diverting some Ukrainian drones into NATO airspace. Moscow accuses Ukraine of intentionally steering drones across the borders.
Reporting and Editorial Credits
(Reporting by Essi Lehto and Elviira LuomaEditing by Terje Solsvik)