Finland’s Defense Forces are calling up reservists to reinforce the protection of borders and airspace amid an increase in drone activity in the region.
According to the Finnish outlet Yle, the announcement was made by the General Staff of the Finnish Armed Forces. The need for additional forces arose due to the intensive use of drones in border areas.
The measure aims to ensure sufficient personnel in the face of possible prolonged tensions, as well as to ease the burden on active-duty troops. According to Defense Minister Antti Häkkänen, this is the first mobilization of reservists focused on protecting the country’s territorial integrity.
According to him, the duration of such assistance will depend on drone activity in areas adjacent to the border. In particular, in late March, two Ukrainian drones of the Chaika type crashed in Finland as the country continues to face the war against Russia.
Currently, monitoring the territory requires significant resources, including the constant deployment of F/A-18 fighter jets and the presence of ships in the Gulf of Finland. The Border Guard uses observation towers for visual and acoustic monitoring, while the Army deploys mobile radars.
Charlie Salonius-Pasternak, a security expert, emphasized to Yle that certain features of the Finnish defense model did not initially provide sustained support for operational activities by reserve forces.
He also noted that, in normal times, most regular personnel focus on training recruits rather than continuous patrolling.
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