Capability – Strategic projects proceed

The Border Guard develops strategic capabilities in its projects.  Furthermore, the aim is also to provide functional and safe facilities both for employees and conscripts. We have continued to develop our material readiness to respond to this new security situation.

The commercial preparation of strategic projects and procurements was carried out as planned. Currently, the number of strategic projects is exceptionally high. Simultaneously, as a result of changes in the operational environment, the general level of expenditure has risen.

The eastern border fence project is under construction throughout the project area. The eastern border fence is an entity, where technical monitoring and a physical barrier further border surveillance in areas chosen based on a risk assessment. Currently, 70 kilometres of the eastern border fence have been fully completed, while 150 kilometres of the fence is partially complete. This entity will be completed by the end of 2026.   

Two new offshore patrol vessels in Turva class are under construction in Finland. The first of these two was christened as Karhu in August 2025. A wet bell system for diving operations, which enables demanding diving, was introduced on offshore patrol vessel Turva. Coast Guard vessels and speed boats are currently in their maintenance stage. Modernisation of material intended to be used during frost heaving has proceeded as planned. Procurement of three heavy hovercraft was initiated at the end of 2025. 

The MVX project’s two new Bombardier surveillance aircraft are currently in equipping stage, and we will be able to introduce them into operative use in 2027−2028. Moreover, the HVX project was initiated. In this project, the Border Guard’s ageing search and rescue helicopters are replaced by a new helicopter type.

A renewed technical surveillance system for land and sea borders will be introduced by the end of 2027. To continue, the construction of a radio technical capability commenced in 2025 and will be completed in 2028.   

Construction of Turku base project, as well as the planning of the fourth stage of Immola garrison area, commenced. Furthermore, in Ivalo garrison area, the garrison and canteen projects were completed, while the planning for the renovation of the swimming pool commenced. The second stage of Onttola garrison area is under construction, and the planning of the third phase commenced. Planning of renovations at Vaasa, Hurppu and Pori Coast Guard Stations as well as at Salla Border Guard Station, commenced.  

Updating of the Border Guard’s operative data systems proceeded as planned in 2025. This update of the core data system enables more efficient acquisition and processing of data and compilation of situational awareness. Furthermore, data management competence was also developed through training sessions.