Finland Closes Airspace Near Russia as Drone Incursions Reach NATO Territory

Finland has temporarily closed part of its airspace and restricted maritime traffic near its southeastern border with Russia due to concerns that military drones could enter the area, according to Reuters on July 28.

The Finnish military said the measures were introduced to allow authorities to respond safely if unmanned aerial vehicles crossed into Finnish territory. A military spokesperson told Reuters that the restrictions were intended “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.”

According to Reuters, Finnish authorities did not disclose what intelligence prompted the decision. The spokesperson declined to comment on the source of information regarding possible drone activity, stating that “as it is operational information.”

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Russia Is Redirecting Ukrainian Drones Into NATO Airspace. What Can be Done?

Jun 08, 2026 15:36

The restrictions come amid a growing number of incidents involving Ukrainian long-range drones crossing into NATO airspace while targeting military objectives inside Russia. Reuters reported that drones have entered the airspace of Finland, Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania during 2026, prompting increased attention from regional authorities.

Ukraine has significantly expanded its long-range drone campaign against targets inside Russia in recent months. According to Reuters, Ukraine and several NATO members have attributed some cross-border drone incidents to Russian electronic warfare and GPS jamming, which can disrupt navigation systems and alter flight paths. Russia, meanwhile, has accused Ukraine of deliberately directing drones into neighboring NATO countries.

Earlier, EU High Representative Kaja Kallas said the European Union and NATO were expanding cooperation on counter-drone capabilities while working more closely with Ukraine’s defense industry, citing Ukraine’s battlefield experience to accelerate the development of anti-drone systems.

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