Finland Offers to Deploy NATO Recon Drones on its Territory

7 November, 2024 The RQ-4D Phoenix UAV. Photo credits: Northrop Grumman Finland proposes to deploy a base for large NATO reconnaissance drones on its territory.

This was reported by Yle. It is reported that the Finnish Air Force has four bases, of which Pirkkala is the most likely location for the base. The drones are currently based in Italy, conducting reconnaissance operations in Finnish airspace to gather intelligence along the eastern border.

Such patrols were reported in late August. The operation was conducted by the U.S. Air Force's RQ-4 Global Hawk strategic reconnaissance drone.

Illustrative photo of the NATO RQ-4.

Photo from open sources.

The Global Hawk then flew in circles several times to monitor and flew in the direction of Murmansk. Then the United States sent a manned RC-135U Combat Sent reconnaissance aircraft for monitoring, which also flew several circles. According to Yle, NATO's plans for the new base are at an early stage.

At the same time, it is noted that the Alliance needs a location for reconnaissance drones in Northern Europe. The decision on the location of the drone base is expected to be made next year.

NATO infrastructure in Finland

Previously, on September 27, Militarnyi reported that the Finnish city of Mikkeli would host the headquarters of NATO's ground forces in Northern Europe. The decision to locate NATO's regional headquarters in Mikkeli was due to the fact that the city already has the headquarters of the Finnish Armed Forces.

Flags of Finland and NATO.

Photo from open sources.

Previously, on September 27, Militarnyi reported that the Finnish city of Mikkeli would host the headquarters of NATO's ground forces in Northern Europe.

The decision to locate NATO's regional headquarters in Mikkeli was due to the fact that the city already has the headquarters of the Finnish Armed Forces.