Finland Moves to Toughen Drone Defenses

The Finnish government has submitted a bill to parliament that would expand police powers to counter drones and other unmanned vehicles in response to rapid technological developments and a changing security environment, according to Yle.

Finland’s Interior Ministry said drones and autonomous systems are increasingly being used not only in the air, but also on land, at sea and underwater. The legislation is intended to prevent their use for criminal activity, privacy violations or attacks on critical infrastructure.

Under the proposal, police would gain broader powers to monitor and interfere with unmanned vehicles. Officers could use specialized technical equipment, physical force and, if necessary, firearms to neutralize them.

The reform would also strengthen the Finnish Defense Forces’ ability to assist police in operations against unmanned vehicles.

The government wants the legislation to take effect as soon as possible.

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