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Finland Deploys New Border Surveillance as Russia Expands Military Buildup Nearby

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Ivan_khomenko
Ivan Khomenko
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Finland Deploys New Border Surveillance as Russia Expands Military Buildup Nearby
Finnish border guards patrol with a service dog near the Russian border in Joensuu, June 5, 2024. (Source: Getty Images)

Finland’s Border Guard is implementing a new radio surveillance system aimed at strengthening monitoring capabilities along the country’s eastern border and coastal areas.

According to YLE on May 6, the system is designed to detect, locate, identify, and monitor sources of radio-frequency electromagnetic emissions.

Initially, the surveillance equipment will be installed on newly acquired reconnaissance aircraft and vessels. Once operational, it will allow authorities to detect active devices such as mobile phones within the border zone. However, the system will not be able to link a detected signal to a specific individual.

The rollout comes in response to a shift in Finland’s security environment following Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022. According to Janne Kurvinen, Deputy Head of the Technical Department at the Finnish Border Guard, “the new equipment will be installed in areas deemed critical,” with some systems designed to remain mobile for flexible deployment.

The system is not intended to replace traditional patrolling but is expected to improve situational awareness and response times. Officials note that it could also support rescue operations, including searches for missing persons.

The Finnish Border Guard emphasized that the system does not have the legal authority to intercept the content of communications. Its purpose is limited to border security and law enforcement monitoring, not intelligence gathering.

Earlier, satellite imagery reviewed by Western analysts and published by The Wall Street Journal revealed that Russia is expanding military infrastructure near its border with Finland.

The buildup includes new barracks, railroads, and storage facilities in the Leningrad Military District, alongside plans to upgrade brigades into full divisions. Western officials warn that the redeployments may signal long-term preparations for a future confrontation with NATO.

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