Finland’s Interior Ministry on 15 September 2026 submitted a bill to Parliament that would turbo-charge police authority over unmanned systems. Under current law, officers can only intervene against drones in restricted airspace. The proposed amendments extend that right to any unmanned vehicle—whether flying, driving, floating or diving—whose operation threatens public safety or critical infrastructure. Police could employ technical jammers, physical force or, as a last resort, firearms to neutralise a rogue device. The legislation also enables the Defence Forces to provide rapid assistance when specialist counter-UAV equipment is needed, institutionalising cooperation first tested during last spring’s drone incursions over Helsinki Airport’s approach paths. The ministry argues that technology has outpaced the legal toolbox: commercial quad-copters can now carry illicit payloads across borders, while autonomous surface craft have been spotted near LNG terminals. By harmonising rules for all unmanned platforms, Finland hopes to avoid legal gray zones that organised crime exploits. Logistics and media companies using legitimate drones have sought assurances. The bill clarifies that professional operators holding a European operational authorisation will face minimal disruption, provided flight plans are filed through the national U-space service provider. Industry group DroneFinland said the clearer framework “will actually foster commercial drone use by removing reputational risks caused by bad actors.” If the Eduskunta passes the bill this autumn, police training on new engagement protocols and reporting requirements could begin as early as January 2027. Similar powers are already in place in Denmark and Estonia, meaning cross-border law-enforcement cooperation should become smoother.
Source: Demokraatti
