Finland briefly restricts airspace, maritime area near Kotka over drone threat

Finland's Armed Forces temporarily restricted airspace and maritime areas near the coastal city of Kotka on the Gulf of Finland early on July 10 as a precaution over a possible drone intrusion.

The military announced the measures in a post on X, saying the temporary restrictions were introduced to ensure public safety and allow authorities to respond to any potential unmanned aerial vehicles, Caliber.Az reports.

Puolustusvoimat on ottanut käyttöön tilapäisen ilmailun ja merialueen rajoitusalueen Kotkan edustalla noin klo 04.00 alkaen. Tarkista voimassa olevat ilmailun rajoitukset https://t.co/cKU473N0ml ja merivaroitukset: https://t.co/1TPEhQiAwH…

— Puolustusvoimat (@Puolustusvoimat) July 10, 2026

The restrictions came into effect at 4:00 a.m. local time and were lifted at approximately 5:25 a.m.

According to the Finnish Armed Forces, the move was a preventive measure and did not reflect a confirmed security incident.

The General Staff's press service later told Finnish public broadcaster Yle that no drones were detected in the country's airspace during the period of the restrictions.

By Sabina Mammadli