Finland has opened an investigation after a plane, possibly Russian, entered its airspace.

The authorities in Finland have initiated an investigation after a plane, possibly Russian, allegedly entered national airspace, an incident reported in the western Gulf of Finland. The Finnish Minister of Defence, Antti Häkkänen, emphasized that any violation of airspace is taken seriously, and the Border Guard is conducting investigations to determine the exact circumstances of the incident.

This adds to a series of similar incidents in recent months, when Finland has suspected other Russian military aircraft of entering its airspace. The tensions are heightened by the risks associated with drones involved in the conflict in Ukraine, which could accidentally reach Finland.

After the Russian invasion of Ukraine, Finland applied for NATO membership, becoming a member in April 2023, and the incident underscores European concerns regarding air incursions and the need to strengthen air surveillance. Russia has denied allegations of its involvement in unidentified drone flights in Europe.