Four combat drones were discovered in southeastern Finland in late March and early April. Authorities believe the unmanned aircraft entered Finnish airspace during Ukrainian attacks on Russian ports and oil terminals along the Gulf of Finland.
Police and the military said more wreckage could be scattered across the region, including in hard-to-reach terrain, and that some drones may have fallen into the sea.
"Changes in the security environment can be rapid, and the recent drone incidents may cause concern", said Aki Heikkinen, head of the readiness division at military headquarters.
The call-ups will be formally designated as refresher exercises. Defense Minister Antti Hakkanen said it was the first time reservists had been summoned specifically to prepare for this type of mission. The military said it would not disclose details about the assignments, locations, or timing of the exercises.
Finland's armed forces are built on mandatory military service for men and a broad reserve pool. The country's wartime force is set at 280,000 troops, backed by a reserve currently numbering around 870,000. Under a 2025 law raising the maximum reserve age from 50 to 65, that figure is expected to reach approximately one million by 2031.
In response to the drone incidents, the Finnish Air Force and Navy have stepped up surveillance of national airspace and territorial waters, though the military noted that daily patrol missions are placing a significant strain on regular personnel.
(jh)
Source: PAP