Finnish Border Guard launches counter-drone fleet project

The Finnish Border Guard is rolling out a nationwide counter-drone capability combining fixed surveillance, mobile response and protected patrol platforms, supported by a industrial consortium.

The future capability will integrate fixed surveillance and response systems with mobile counter-drone equipment for patrols and protected patrol vehicles and boats deployed nationwide, the Border Guard said.  

Designed to operate alongside the systems of other Finnish security authorities, it is intended to strengthen border security, territorial surveillance and the protection of critical infrastructure.

The programme is being delivered by a Finnish-Nordic industrial consortium led by the Finnish Border Guard. 

Marine Alutech Oy will supply the protected patrol boats, while Saab AB will provide the patrol vehicles based on the Sisu GTP platform. 

Nokia Oyj will deliver the intelligent networking solution, and 61N Solutions Oy will integrate the new capability with the management systems of the Border Guard and other Finnish security authorities.

Both the patrol vehicles and boats will be equipped with a common suite of counter-drone capabilities, providing a standardised operational capability across land and maritime border security missions.

The Border Guard is now launching the first procurement phase, subject to the allocation of government funding.

This will cover evaluation versions of a protected patrol vehicle and patrol boat, an intelligent network solution and integration with the Border Guard's command and management systems.

The evaluation programme will run throughout 2027 and into early 2028. 

If successful, it will pave the way for the procurement of production-standard vehicles and boats, although funding for the production phase will be decided by Finland's next government.