Helsinki: Finland and Sweden took steps Friday to deepen defense cooperation by jointly strengthening surveillance and protecting Finland's territorial integrity, Finnish President Alexander Stubb said.

According to Anadolu Agency, the cooperation aims to improve the two countries' ability to detect and counter drones while contributing to NATO's deterrence and defense capabilities. President Stubb highlighted the unity of the Nordic region, emphasizing mutual trust and collective strength.

The Swedish government has responded to Helsinki's request for assistance by deciding to send military units to Finland, as reported by Swedish public broadcaster SVT. The deployment will include Swedish Gripen fighter jets and warships patrolling areas of risk near Finland's border with Russia. Additionally, Sweden is considering the deployment of anti-drone units to Finland if the situation demands during the autumn season.

This renewed defense collaboration comes in the wake of repeated aerial threats faced by Finland, including drones crossing into Finnish territory amid the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war and suspected Russian airspace violations. Some incidents have led to temporary airport closures, highlighting the urgency for enhanced surveillance measures.

The deployment aims to bolster NATO's surveillance of Finnish territory, relying on existing bilateral defense arrangements that permit Sweden to assist in preventing violations of Finland's territorial integrity. Swedish Defense Minister Pal Jonson underscored the shared commitment of the two nations to maintaining robust deterrence and defense in the Baltic Sea region and along NATO's eastern flank.

Finnish Defense Minister Antti Hakkanen confirmed that the operation would be conducted in cooperation with NATO, emphasizing that aviation and maritime cooperation are already fundamental aspects of bilateral and Nordic defense collaboration. He noted the natural progression of developing this cooperation further to ensure territorial surveillance and protection.