Finland to host NATO reconnaissance drone trial at Pirkkala Airbase

Finland is preparing to temporarily host NATO's large unmanned reconnaissance drones as part of a trial aimed at testing reconnaissance flight operations originating in northern Europe.

According to Finnish broadcaster Yle, the trial is scheduled to take place in June at the Pirkkala Airbase near Tampere, Caliber.Az reports.

Sources familiar with the matter said that the infrastructure required for the drone deployment is currently under construction. The deployment will last a few weeks and involve not only the drones but also a contingent of specialised operational personnel.

Finland’s geographic location makes it an attractive site for NATO reconnaissance activities, offering drones the ability to conduct longer-duration flights over northern regions, including Norwegian maritime areas.

The drones being deployed are NATO's RQ-4D Phoenix models, which are roughly the size of a passenger aircraft and typically operate out of Sigonella Airbase in Sicily, Italy. These high-altitude, long-endurance aircraft are used for surveillance and reconnaissance missions. They have a wingspan of approximately 40 meters, a flight range of up to 16,000 kilometres, and an operational ceiling of 18,000 meters. Equipped with various radar systems and sensors, they are capable of collecting wide-ranging surveillance data.

Although RQ-4D drones have been flying in Finnish airspace since autumn 2023—mainly for reconnaissance missions along NATO’s eastern borders—this is the first time they will be based in Finland for an extended operation. This makes the Pirkkala trial a unique and significant step.

The deployment also comes amid a broader shift in regional security dynamics. As the security situation in Europe has deteriorated, and with both Finland and Sweden joining NATO, drone operations have increasingly focused on northern skies. However, the long distance from NATO’s main drone base in Sicily to critical monitoring areas in the Arctic and near Finland’s eastern border has prompted interest in establishing an additional base.

While no official decision has been made regarding a second permanent NATO drone base, sources indicate that Finland has shown interest in hosting such a facility. The Finnish government has offered the use of its air force airfields, with Pirkkala emerging as the most suitable candidate. Norway and Poland have also expressed interest in hosting the base. However, any such construction project would be large-scale and costly.

The trial is not only significant from a logistical standpoint but also politically important for Finland. The increased presence of NATO assets in the country sends a clear message to Russia that the alliance is committed to Finland’s security.

Pirkkala is home to the Finnish Air Force’s Satakunta Air Wing, which primarily handles transport operations and flight research and development activities.

By Tamilla Hasanova