Early Friday morning, the Finnish Defense Forces increased their readiness after receiving information about drones possibly heading toward Finland.
Extra personnel were brought into air surveillance, fighter jets were placed on higher alert and the use of helicopters, naval vessels and Border Guard resources was strengthened.
The expected drone route was between Helsinki and Porvoo.
A hazard alert for the Uusimaa region was issued at 03:49, urging people to go indoors.
A temporary restricted airspace took effect at 04:00 in the morning to keep bystanders out of harm’s way and support safe interception if needed.
Air traffic at Helsinki-Vantaa Airport and maritime traffic in the Gulf of Finland were rerouted.
A hazard alert for the Uusimaa region was issued at 03:49, urging people to go indoors.
The alert ended at 07:06, but during those hours, officials gave no further public updates.
This left many residents, including essential workers, uncertain about what actions to take. Some schools instructed students to stay home, and public transport in the capital region paused for about an hour.
Uudellemaalle on annettu vaaratiedote drooneista. Viranomaistoimet ovat käynnissä. Puolustusvoimat on tehostanut omaa valvonta- ja torjuntakykyään. Kehotan kaikkia seuraamaan viranomaistiedotteita.
— Petteri Orpo (@PetteriOrpo) May 15, 2026
“A danger alert has been issued for Uusimaa regarding drones. Official measures are underway. The Defence Forces have intensified their surveillance and counter-capabilities. I urge everyone to follow official announcements.” —Prime Minister Petteri Orpo (NCP)
The situation unfolded amid Ukraine’s ongoing drone strikes on Russian territory, with some drones previously drifting into Finland. Several morning flights to Helsinki-Vantaa were delayed. Latvia experienced a similar alert.
“Based on the authorities’ assessment of the situation, drones potentially heading toward Finland no longer pose an immediate threat to bystanders,” The Finnish Defence Forces note in a statement at 08:27 on Friday morning.
“The temporary restricted airspace has been lifted. The Finnish Defense Forces remain on high alert in case of any drones. There is still no direct military threat to Finland.”
Sources: The Finnish Defence Forces, Finnish media
