Finland and Sweden Enhances Cooperation on Territorial Surveillance

Going forward, Sweden will provide Finland with military support in its efforts to detect and combat drones.

"We are expanding Finland and Sweden's defence cooperation. Sweden will participate in the surveillance and protection of Finland's territorial integrity with fighter aircraft and naval vessels. Territorial surveillance will continue to be carried out under Finland's leadership and in accordance with the Territorial Surveillance Act," Finnish Minister of Defence Antti Häkkanen (National Coalition Party) states on X.

"With this new cooperation, we aim to achieve two things. Firstly, we are strengthening our ability to maintain enhanced surveillance for long-term protection against stray drones. Ukraine continues its legitimate defensive struggle and the risk of stray drones appears to continue. Secondly, deeper cooperation will strengthen the defence capabilities of Finland and NATO's northern region in all security situations," Häkkanen continues.

In March and May, Ukrainian drones veered off course and entered the airspace of south-eastern Finland.

"As allies, Sweden and Finland share a common view of the importance of strong deterrence and defence in the Baltic Sea region and on NATO's eastern flank. We are continuously developing our ability to cooperate with our allies and are constantly looking at opportunities to contribute to this effectively," says Swedish Minister of Defence Pål Jonson (M) in a press release.

In addition to fighters and naval vessels, the Swedish Armed Forces will also be able to contribute ground-based air defence systems.

The Swedish units will operate from Swedish territory, but may be based in Finland if necessary.