Helsinki: Finnish authorities on Friday lifted a warning issued over a possible drone sighting in the country's southern Uusimaa region, saying the suspected object no longer posed a danger. President Alexander Stubb communicated through US social media company X that Finland was not facing a direct military threat, while Interior Minister Mari Rantanen assured it was safe for people to go to school and work.

According to Anadolu Agency, earlier in the day, emergency authorities had urged residents to remain indoors following reports of "a potentially dangerous unmanned aerial vehicle" moving in the airspace. Prime Minister Petteri Orpo stated that official measures were launched after the alert, with the Defense Forces intensifying surveillance and counter-capabilities.

The Finnish Defense Forces reported that they had bolstered their surveillance and response capabilities upon receiving information about potential drones entering Finnish airspace. This included increasing air surveillance personnel, heightening fighter jet readiness, and enhancing the deployment of army helicopters and naval vessels. The Border Guard also raised its readiness level in response to the situation.

Finnish Air Force Hornet fighter jets were observed flying over Uusimaa and off the coast of Helsinki early Friday morning. Authorities imposed a temporary restricted airspace from 4 am local time (0100GMT) to ensure public safety. Maritime traffic in the Gulf of Finland was rerouted, and air traffic at Helsinki Airport was temporarily suspended before later resuming operations.

The Defense Forces identified the expected target area of the suspected drone as being between Helsinki and Porvoo. Following the onset of the Russia-Ukraine war in February 2022, Finland applied for and received NATO membership in April 2023. Notably, Finland shares the longest border with Russia among NATO member states, stretching 1,343 kilometers (834 miles).