Raja.fi news

Maritime security and CISE information exchange

Tue, 14 Apr 2026 12:22:00 GMT

The Finnish Border Guard will lead the MARSEC EU 26 joint exercise for law enforcement authorities, coast guards and navies in the EU. The exercise develops international information exchange and regionally coordinated responses to maritime threats. Common Information Sharing Environment (CISE) information exchange will be tested during the exercise.

The Finnish Border Guard and the Swedish Coast Guard to begin exchanging classified information

The joint development of CISE information exchange with the Swedish Coast Guard has begun. The goal is to start exchanging classified information between Finland and Sweden in 2027, utilising the CISE Classified Network information sharing environment. The Finnish Border Guard is also currently engaged in discussions on CISE information exchange with other Baltic Sea countries.

The European Maritime Safety Agency (EMSA) will provide information to the Finnish Border Guard through the CISE information exchange environment. The Finnish Border Guard has specified its requirements to EMSA regarding reports that support its operations.

Use cases and operational models have been mapped

The information to be exchanged within the CISE environment was mapped by defining use cases. The Finnish Border Guard is able to negotiate with EU Member States and agencies on which classified information it wants to share and receive. A large number of Finnish Border Guard experts participated in defining the use cases and operational models. The mapping process also identified the information systems from which the data originates. In addition to Finnish Border Guard data, the overall framework includes data from other Finnish authorities. Negotiations on sharing data from other Finnish authorities via CISE have also begun.

Technical design and implementation of CISE underway

The technical design and implementation phase, as well as the data protection impact assessment, are currently in process. The technical implementation of the information exchange environment is closely linked to other IT projects of the Finnish Border Guard.

A test node is currently being set up with the support of EMSA. The goal is to have the test node, initial test use cases and test data transfers operational by the end of June 2026. The forthcoming CISE Classified Network environment is intended to enable the exchange of classified information between EU Member States, and it will be deployed once EMSA has established the necessary capabilities.

Benefits of CISE information exchange

CISE enables the exchange of classified information (EU restricted). Information received from partners complements the national maritime situational awareness and enables the compilation of better analyses.
Each actor can use their own information systems and software, into which data received from partners is delivered via CISE.
CISE information exchange promotes cooperation between law enforcement authorities and military actors among regional authorities and organisations responsible for maritime safety and coast guard operations in the EU, as well as between EU agencies.
CISE-chat feature enables fast, focused and secure information exchange and file sharing.

External funding supporting the development of Finland’s international maritime situational awareness

With the European Union participating in the funding, the Development of the International Maritime Situational Picture 2 project is receiving funding from the European Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund (EMFAF). With the EMFAF funding, the safety of the seas, inter alia, will be improved by supporting initiatives that increase the maritime area monitoring and ensure sustainable use of these areas. With the €1.4 million in EMFAF funding allocated to the Finnish Border Guard, the CISE information exchange environment is being designed and built to enable the sharing and receiving of maritime security-related information between EU Member States.

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The Finnish Border Guard procures an anti-drone system – this five-million-euro investment strengthens Finnish border security

Tue, 24 Mar 2026 11:48:00 GMT

This procurement will significantly improve Finnish border control capability and security against the threats posed by unmanned aircraft. The said investment is approximately five million euro, and the European Union funds 90% of it.

– In addition that the procurement develops Finland’s ability to combat drones, it also supports the goals in the European Commission’s new operational plan concerning drone threats. We share this challenge with the entire Europe, Deputy Chief of the Finnish Border Guard, Rear Admiral Tom Hanén emphasises the importance of this procurement as part of extensive European security development.

Furthermore, the new drone system will be used in maintaining border security, in protection of the Finnish Border Guard’s own objects and operations, in combatting and investigating crime, in maritime search and rescue, as well as in safeguarding territorial integrity. The system detects, locates, identifies and, where necessary, interrupts unauthorised or hostile drones. However, the development continues, the Chief of Technical Division, Major General Jari Tolppanen, remarks.

– This procurement is important, but the development will continue for years. Currently, we are preparing additional investments of several million euro for anti-drone operations. We are happy to participate in development of security technology and ecosystems together with industries. Technological sovereignty and security of supply are important, Tolppanen continues.

Sensofusion Oy, the company that will deliver the system, is an experienced pioneer in detecting and combatting drone operations.

– Our cooperation goes all the way back to the first years of Sensofusion and, thus, the Finnish Border Guard has had a major impact on how our company has developed, the CEO of Sensofusion Oy, Tuomas Rasila, states.

The Finnish Border Guard and Sensofusion Oy signed the contract on 24 March 2026.

Rear Admiral Tom Hanén and CEO Tuomas Rasila, Sensofusion Oy.

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The Finnish Border Guard celebrates its 107th anniversary on 21 March 2026

Fri, 20 Mar 2026 06:59:00 GMT

Promotions and rewarding of personnel

The President of the Republic has promoted 36 Finnish Border Guard officials. Furthermore, 25 Finnish Border Guard officials were promoted in the reserve.

Commander Jani Järäinen is promoted to Captain at the Finnish Border Guard on 21 March 2026.

The Border Guard of the Year 2025 is First Lieutenant Sami Lappi

Currently, First Lieutenant Sami Lappi serves at Lapland Border Guard District. First Lieutenant Lappi is an active and competent employee, who is well-liked and respected both as a specialist and as a superior.

Crosses, medals and plaques of merit and central government medals of merit

The Minister of the Interior has awarded Finnish Border Guard personnel with the Cross of Merit of the Finnish Border Guard (6pcs) and with the Medal of Merit of the Finnish Border Guard (66pcs). The Chief of the Finnish Border Guard has awarded the Finnish Border Guard personnel with Plaque of Merit of The Finnish Border Guard (3pcs). Furthermore, the President of the Republic has awarded 77 Finnish Border Guard officials with Central Government Medal of Merit for Public Officials.

In addition to Finnish Border Guard personnel, the following representatives of our partners have been awarded

As an acknowledgement of distinguished work for the benefit of the Finnish Border Guard, the Minister of the Interior has awarded the following persons with the Cross of Merit of the Finnish Border Guard on 21 March 2026:

Development Manager Artsi Alanne
Ambassador Piritta Asunmaa
Director General Egert Belitšev
Director Alexander Fritsch
Director of Result Area Vesa Halonen
Senior Vice President Henri Hansson
Municipal Manager Erno Heikkinen
City Manager Tomas Häyry
Rescue Chief Peter Johansson
Permanent State Under-Secretary Satu Keskinen
Hallitusneuvos (Finnish honorary title) Kari Klemm
Chief Executive Officer Kari Kosonen
Deputy Police Chief Seppo Kujala
Brigadier General Ari Laaksonen
Lieutenant General Jari Mikkonen
Director of Legal Affairs Juha Rainne
Permanent Secretary Olli-Pekka Rantala
City Manager Tuomo Sallinen
Permanent State Secretary Jukka Salovaara
Director of Maritime Transport Sanna Sonninen
Rear Admiral Tuomas Tiilikainen
Deputy Director Jonna Turunen
Ambassador Teemu Turunen
Major General Jarmo Vähätiitto

As an acknowledgement of distinguished work for the benefit of the Finnish Border Guard, the Minister of the Interior has awarded the following persons with the Medal of Merit of the Finnish Border Guard on 21 March 2026:

Chief Inspector Juha Hietala
Deputy Head of Division Niklas Karlman
Detective Sergeant Seppo Kemppainen
Chief of Security Pekka Nevalainen
Chief of Emergency Medical Services Tomi Nieminen
Physician Marko Pohjanpaju
Production Manager Petri Saarinen
Chief Information Officer Ari Takkinen
Instructor in charge Olli Vesivalo

The Chief of the Finnish Border Guard has awarded the following external individuals, units and organisations with the Finnish Border Guard’s bronze plaque of merit for distinguished work for the benefit of the Finnish Border Guard on 21 March 2026:

Chief of Security and Emergency Management in social and healthcare Mikko Aaltonen
Lieutenant, Senior Grade, Kaarlo Bang
Finavia Oyj, Helsinki Airport Operations Centre
Captain Lasse Lahikainen
Head Guard Roger Lanndér
North Karelia Regional Office
Chief Inspector Hannu Rönkkö
Detective Inspector Kimmo Tuulenkari
Lieutenant Colonel (res.) Pasi Tyystjärvi

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The Finnish Border Guard to replace its maritime search and rescue helicopters in the HVX project

Fri, 13 Mar 2026 12:13:00 GMT

The aim of this project is to replace the current maritime search and rescue helicopters with one multipurpose helicopter type in the 2030s. In addition, we aim to define the requirements and possibilities to replace the smaller helicopters with the same helicopter type on a later date, if decided separately. Moreover, the project acknowledges the requirements of other authorities and stakeholders.

– The Finnish Border Guard has a maritime search and rescue helicopter system with the highest capability in the Baltic Sea region. Moreover, it has also proved itself in the changed safety environment, where readiness, flexible use of resources and cooperation of authorities are emphasised. Replacing the current capability is the Finnish Border Guard’s minimum objective. It is necessary to develop our surveillance and influencing capability, networking, as well as protection. Furthermore, we have also identified several possibilities to improve the helicopter system’s cost efficiency, Major General Jari Tolppanen, Project Leader of the HVX project, states.

Currently, we wait for responses to our request for information from the potential suppliers, which are Airbus, Bell, Leonardo and Sikorsky. Through the said request for information, the Finnish Border Guard aims to identify the suitability of the helicopter types, their risks, the helicopter manufacturers’ delivery capability, as well as the cost impacts. This week, the HVX project met with the suppliers.

– In these meetings, the helicopter manufacturers received further information concerning the details in the request for information. Thus, these meetings contributed to that the responses to our request for information will be of the highest quality, as well as comparable. Top experts from the Finnish Border Guard have been appointed to the project group, whereby I can pursue this project with confidence, Project Manager, Commander Kimmo Ahvonen reports.

The helicopter manufacturers shall reply to the request for information in April, at the latest. Based on these replies to the request for information, the Finnish Border Guard will specify the objectives for the helicopter system, and utilises this information in the competitive tendering that will be arranged in due time. Replacement of the maritime search and rescue helicopters will be a question for the following government to decide on.

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Chief of the Polish Border Guard visited the Finnish Border Guard

Fri, 06 Mar 2026 11:49:00 GMT

The Chief of the Polish Border Guard received an extensive presentation of the Finnish Border Guard’s operations. The visit included familiarisation with the Gulf of the Finland Coast Guard District, the Border and Coast Guard Academy, the Air Patrol Squadron, as well as introduction to the situation at the eastern border and the operations of Southeast Finland Border Guard District.

The Border Chiefs stated that the cooperation of the Finnish and the Polish Border Guards is on a good level. Close cooperation and information exchange are vital both for combatting cross-border crime and for maintaining situational awareness of border safety and maritime security.

The Polish delegation also included the Deputy Chief of the Polish Border Guard, Brigadier General Grzegorz Niemiec, and Rear Admiral Andrzej Prokopski from the Polish Coast Guard. In addition, Commanders of the administrative units visited, as well as the Chief of the Border and Coast Guard Division at the Finnish Border Guard Headquarters, Brigadier General Mika Rytkönen, participated in the visit.

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Trafficking in human beings focused on traffic at internal borders in 2025

Thu, 05 Mar 2026 13:31:00 GMT

Regarding the traffic at internal borders, the estimated numbers are based on interviews with those who have sought asylum in Finland. The assessment only acknowledges the reports from those individuals who have contacted the authorities themselves, for instance, to apply for asylum.

– Thus, the actual number is probably slightly higher. Regarding the internal borders, it is often unknown from where and when a person has arrived in Finland. In general, we know very little of these individuals who illegally enter Finland, unless they report themselves to the authorities, Commander Juho Vanhatalo from the Finnish Border Guard Headquarters says. Vanhatalo acts as Head of Criminal Investigation Unit at the Legal Division of Finnish Border Guard Headquarters.

Under the Finnish Criminal Code, migrant smuggling equals to trafficking in human beings. In Finland, the Finnish Border Guard investigates more than 90% of the observed people smuggling cases. In 2025, the Finnish Border Guard detected 71 suspected cases of facilitation of irregular migration. In a third of these cases, it was considered reasoned to suspect aggravated facilitation of irregular migration. The deed is considered as aggravated, if, for instance, it has been committed in the context of a criminal organisation.

According to Vanhatalo, in the majority of migrant smuggling cases revealed in Finland, the smuggled individuals have crossed the Schengen external border within the territory of another member state. After this, they have been smuggled into Finland, or via Finland, through the internal borders. Last year, this was the situation in approximately 70% of the cases.

– It is entirely a question of hidden crime. This means, in practice, that none of the cases are brought to the attention of authorities via a report of an offence. Instead, these cases are detected and revealed through authorities’ own surveillance and information acquisition.

According to the observations made by the Finnish Border Guard, it is quite common that the smugglers have been paid up to ten thousand euro, and more, for the illegal trip to Finland.

– These are significant sums for people coming from poor conditions. Additionally, there is a risk that the smuggled individual has also remained in debt to their smuggler. This in turn increases the individual’s risk to end up as victim of crime, or that they become involved in criminal activities themselves, Vanhatalo explains the effects of migrant smuggling on the smuggled individual.

Some of the cases revealed in air traffic are detected from among the outgoing traffic. In five migrant smuggling cases in 2025, eight smuggled individuals were detected, in total. They were caught when trying to leave Helsinki Airport for the United Kingdom and Ireland. Passports of Japan and Hongkong, inter alia, were used for travelling. At the border, these documents were found to be forgeries. Currently, the Finnish Border Guard investigates one of the cases as aggravated facilitation of irregular migration and as aggravated trafficking in human beings.

The victims of trafficking in human beings, detected at the check on exit at the airport, had also arrived in Finland through internal borders. According to Vanhatalo, authorities have defective situational awareness of the Schengen internal traffic and, in addition, authorities have limited possibilities to intervene in the Schengen internal cross-border traffic of criminals.

Globally, migrant smuggling, and the exploitation of the smuggled people, involve severe international organised crime. Migrant smuggling cases revealed in Finland are typically committed by foreign criminal groups, and extend only partially to Finland. For instance, when the aim is to smuggle people via Finland to other parts of Europe.

Vanhatalo states that, based on investigations carried out in Finland, and joint operations of European authorities, we know that people from countries in Southeast Asia and Africa are being smuggled into Europe. Some smuggled individuals end up as victims of pandering, forced labour or other humanly degrading conditions.

Some of the smuggled individuals are paying customers. These cases do not involve other exploitation, apart from the high price of the trip. The more money a person smuggled into Finland has, the better their position is.

– On the opposite, the most vulnerable individuals, smuggled into Finland and Europe, end up in conditions where no one should. Therefore, it is essential to detect these most vulnerable individuals, Vanhatalo summarises the issue of migrant smuggling.

The Finnish Border Guard maintains Finland’s border security. It means the measures taken nationally and abroad for the purpose of preventing a breach of the provisions on crossing the national or external border and the threats arising from cross-border passenger traffic to public order and security, combatting cross-border crime, and ensuring the security of cross-border traffic.

Moreover, the Finnish Border Guard also carries out police and customs duties, search, rescue and first aid tasks, leads maritime search and rescue missions, is in charge of maritime pollution response in oil and chemical spills from vessels in Finnish territorial waters and economic zone, as well as coordinates preparedness for them, and participates in military defence.

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Eastern border fence already covers more than one hundred kilometres of the border in Southeast Finland

Thu, 26 Feb 2026 13:30:00 GMT

110 kilometres of protection against illegal border crossings

In Southeast Finland, the border fence is already 110 kilometres long. When the project is completed, Southeast Finland will have up to 141 kilometres of border fence. Commander of Southeast Finland Border Guard District, Colonel Jaakko Olli, assesses that the eastern barrier is necessary in the current security situation. He is in charge of border control at the part of the terrain border between Finland and Russia where border traffic used to be the heaviest.

–The border fence significantly improves the efficiency of border control, situational awareness and mobility of patrols, Colonel Olli states.

The eastern border barrier includes a robust fence, a modern technical surveillance system utilising artificial intelligence, as well as a road running along the fence. The border fence is constructed to those areas, where the operative need for it is the greatest, based on a risk assessment.

–In case of instrumentalised irregular migration, as well as to control large, even violent crowds, the eastern border fence is completely imperative. It also furthers the occupational safety of border guards, Colonel Olli states.

The border fence prevents individual illegal border crossings and, naturally, for those involved in cross-border crime, it significantly increases the risk to get caught, he adds.
For the time being, some parts of the border in Southeast Finland will remain unfenced. These areas include, inter alia, vast water bodies and areas with an already existing natural barrier at the border.

In the northern part of the eastern border, population close to the border, as well as roads and easily accessible terrain decrease and, together with them, the need for a physical border fence.

Extensive technical surveillance

Along with the eastern border fence, the technical surveillance capacity at the eastern border also expands. The border fence provides a real-time situational picture of the border area and alerts the Border Guard to any deviating actions.

–We are able to allocate patrols more efficiently and cost-effectively than before in order to prevent criminal operations and to catch those suspected of offences, Colonel Olli says.

According to him, the electricity grid and telecommunications that follow the eastern barrier also enable us to introduce rapidly evolving surveillance technique:

–As it is, we are currently preparing the procurement of a radio technical surveillance system and an anti-drone system, among others. The eastern border surveillance capacity advances now in a good manner and as required by the situation, Olli continues.

In the beginning of this year, the barrier fence currently under construction has already stopped two illegal border crossings in Southeast Finland. In one of these cases, the border guard district caught individuals who are suspected of and wanted for serious offences elsewhere in Finland.

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The Finnish Border Guard joined the European Gendarmerie Force

Fri, 02 Jan 2026 15:51:00 GMT

The accession was unanimously approved at EUROGENDFOR’s high-level decision-making meeting held in Cascais, Portugal, in December. The approval was preceded by a detailed assessment of the Finnish Border Guard’s suitability for integration into the European Gendarmerie Force, conducted during the autumn. Based on the final report of EUROGENFOR’s international evaluation team, the Finnish Border Guard met the established criteria with excellent results.

Partner membership enables the Finnish Border Guard to strengthen both the cooperation with the EUROGENDFOR organisation, and the bilateral cooperation with European gendarmerie forces. Through this partnership, the Finnish Border Guard can participate in EUROGENDFOR meetings, training and development activities, information exchange, and contribute personnel to international operations. The Finnish Border Guard will also assign a liaison officer to the EUROGENDFOR Headquarters in Vicenza, Italy.

The European Gendarmerie Force cooperation supports the construction and maintenance of the Finnish Border Guard’s readiness and capabilities. Moreover, the cooperation furthers the Finnish Border Guard’s international training cooperation. This cooperation brings Finland closer to Europe’s large law enforcement and military organisations. Furthermore, close cooperation also enables rapid assistance to the Finnish Border Guard or other national authorities in possible crisis situations.

To mark the Finnish Border Guard’s partner membership, the Finnish flag was placed among the flags of the other member states.

Previously on the topic:
The Finnish Border Guard to join the European gendarmerie cooperation (29.10.2025)

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Police Investigate Cable Damage in the Gulf of Finland in Cooperation with Other Authorities

Wed, 31 Dec 2025 11:15:00 GMT

Telecommunications provider Elisa detected a fault in the company’s telecommunications cable between Helsinki and Tallinn early in the morning on 31 December 2025. Elisa reported the issue to the Border Guard's Operations Centre. Under the leadership of the Border Guard, an immediate investigation was initiated into the damage to the underwater critical infrastructure.

The Border Guard located a vessel suspected of being responsible for the damage to the cable. The damage site reported by Elisa was within Estonia's exclusive economic zone. The Border Guard's patrol vessel Turva and helicopter found the suspected vessel within Finland's exclusive economic zone. The vessel's anchor chain was found to be lowered into the sea. The Border Guard instructed the vessel to stop and raise the anchor. The Border Guard also requested that the vessel move to a safe anchorage within Finnish territorial waters.

Finnish authorities have taken control of the vessel as part of a joint operation. Responsibility for leading the investigation has been transferred from the Gulf of Finland Coast Guard to the Helsinki Police Department.

The police have been in contact with the National Prosecutor's Office, and the Prosecutor General has issued a prosecution order. At this stage, the police are investigating the incident as aggravated criminal damage, attempted aggravated criminal damage, and aggravated interference with telecommunications.

The police are investigating the incident in cooperation with several national and international authorities, and further information will be provided as soon as possible.

The operation involves, in addition to the police and the Border Guard, the Finnish Defence Forces, Customs, Traficom, the Finnish Safety and Chemicals Agency (Tukes), and Finngrid.

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Rajamme Vartijat 4/2025 has been published – Recognized Expertise

Fri, 19 Dec 2025 13:03:00 GMT

The expertise within the Border Guard is multifaceted. It involves the skills of each individual in their role, recognizing areas for development, and addressing them. Our personnel gain expertise through further studies, job rotations, or learning on the job. Once acquired, expertise must be updated as the world changes. The Border Guard has a model for managing expertise. So, experts are highlighted in this issue! Rajamme Vartijat has showcased the Border Guard's expertise for decades.

From four to two – this is the last issue number four

Starting next year, the printed magazine will be published twice a year instead of four times. Most content will be published online first.

We warmly invite all our readers to visit raja.fi to continue following current articles on the border security!

Open the magazine as PDF file.

Previous Rajamme Vartijat magazines are available on Rajamedia website.

Rajamme Vartijat magazine has followed Finnish border security since 1934. It enlightens the Finnish Border Guard’s various duties and current topics, as well as reflects the development of the Finnish Border Guard and border security. The main articles have been translated into English.

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The introduction of the Entry/Exit System (EES) is underway at Lapland airports

Fri, 19 Dec 2025 10:36:00 GMT

We recommend that all non-EU nationals planning to travel to Finland familiarize themselves with the new system on the official EES-website.

Implementation of the Entry/Exit Sytem does not affect the border control of Finnish or other EU nationals.

Implementation of the EES in Lapland starts with a prepatory phase

At Lapland airports there is a preparatory phase for introducing the EES. During this phase, the EES is implemented only for some passengers, not systematically for all passengers on the arriving airplanes.

The purpose of the preparatory phase is to perform systems checks and to train the Border Guards for operating the new elements, such as collection of biometrical data.

The passengers are requested to be patient in case of slight momentarily increase of the duration of the border check caused by the testing and training.

The aim of the preparatory phase is to keep border checks safe and secure yet flowing. The passengers are requested to pay attention to instructions on how to contribute for successful collection of the biometrical data.

Systematical implementation of the EES in Lapland will start in January 2026

The systematical implementation of the EES and the collection of biometrical data for the all arriving passengers is planned to start one airport at a time in January 2026, according to the schedule below:

Ivalo airport – 1st week of 2026
Enontekiö airport – 2nd week of 2026
Kittilä airport – 3rd week of 2026
Rovaniemi airport – 4th week of 2026

The systematical implementation of the EES starts with one arriving flight per day. The number of arriving flights targeted by the EES is increased gradually, towards full implementation by the end of the season, when all arriving and exiting passengers’ border checks are done using the EES.

In case a passenger arriving in Lapland is already registered in the EES somewhere else in the Schengen area, the passenger’s biometrical data is verified with the already registered personal EES file’s biometrical data.

Automated border control is not in use in Lapland airports

Passengers are kindly requested to notice that at Lapland airports there are no Self-Service Kiosks and no Automated Border Control (ABC) eGates. Travel to Europe application is not implemented in Finland either. All passengers go through manual border control. Instructions on how a manual border check is carried out are included in the infographic below.

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Three new hovercraft for the Finnish Border Guard

Wed, 17 Dec 2025 11:00:00 GMT

In December 2025, the Finnish Border Guard concluded a procurement contract for three hovercraft. This procurement was carried out through an open EU-wide tendering process. As a result, the hovercraft will be delivered by Griffon Marine Ltd from the United Kingdom, and they will be of the model Griffon 2000TD.

The vessels are approximately 12,7m long and, when hovering, approximately 6,2m wide, with a payload capacity of about 2,000kg. The vessels will be delivered during 2026–2027.

The replacement of hovercraft is a part of the Finnish Border Guard’s effort to ensure its maritime operational capacity. Furthermore, the procurement is based on the Government programme and funding granted in the supplementary budget in order to maintain and develop operational readiness.

− The purpose of these new hovercraft is to replace the current ones that have reached the end of their technical life cycle. This procurement ensures the performance of the Finnish Border Guard’s statutory duties in all seasons and in conditions, where the operability of conventional vessels or aircraft is limited, Major General Jari Tolppanen, Chief of the Finnish Border Guard’s Technical Division, states.

Hovercraft are used by the Finnish Border Guard in border surveillance, maritime search and rescue and as support in its other duties. The vessels will also enable providing support to other authorities, such as the Police and the rescue departments, in their operations.

– The Finnish Border Guard’s capability during frost heaving, especially hovercraft, has a key role in carrying out all safety duties in the archipelago, Head of Maritime Safety, Mikko Hirvi from the Finnish Border Guard Headquarters emphasises.

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The Finnish Border Guard was granted additional EU funding for strengthening the surveillance at eastern border

Wed, 26 Nov 2025 09:00:00 GMT

Additional EU funding supports the long-term development of border surveillance

In 2024, the European Union granted Finland 50 million euro in additional funding for strengthening the surveillance at eastern border. The European Union’s support for Finland and the Finnish Border Guard is significant for border control and border security. Through strengthening the surveillance at eastern border, the Finnish Border Guard maintains the border security of the whole European Union, since the longest eastern border in the European Union is in Finland.

The projects that are currently implemented are the first stage of allocation of the additional funding for strengthening of the surveillance at eastern border. Along with the projects, the Finnish Border Guard’s ability to compile a situation picture and capabilities in border surveillance are improved with the additional funding. A better situation picture and capabilities in border surveillance will facilitate more efficient allocating of surveillance.

The funded projects

In the first project, the Finnish Border Guard was granted funding for market surveys of alternatives for implementations, testing and piloting of radio-technical monitoring (RTV). The radio-technical monitoring complements the Finnish Border Guard’s situation picture. Systems for detecting unmanned aircraft are also acquired in the project. The EU financial contribution for the project is approx. 4.4 million euro.

In the second project, the Finnish Border Guard is acquiring new radio systems. The Finnish Border Guard’s data transfer capabilities on land, at sea and in the air will be improved. The EU financial contribution for the project is approx. 8,1 million euro.

In the third project, unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) are acquired. The project improves compilation of situation pictures. Furthermore, the project will improve the Finnish Border Guard’s satellite positioning systems (Global Navigation Satellite System, GNSS) tolerance to disruptions. The EU financial contribution for the project is approx. 6,8 million euro.

In the fourth project, the operative movement of the Finnish Border Guard’s patrols is improved. In total, the Finnish Border Guard acquires approximately 60 new, more modular patrol vehicles and terrain vehicles, which ensure the capability to patrol in challenging terrain and weather conditions. The EU financial contribution for the project is approx. 4.2 million euro.

Strengthening of the surveillance of the eastern border continues in 2026

The strengthening of the surveillance of the eastern border, carried out with additional EU funding, will proceed as planned in 2026. Based on the results of the current stage, the systems for radio-technical monitoring will be acquired in 2026. EU funding will be applied for this stage out of the remaining additional funding of 50 million euro.

The Ministry of the Interior’s press release on the additional funding Finland was granted
Further information on projects funded by the EU Home Affairs Fund (mainly in Finnish and Swedish)

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The Finnish Border Guard conducts a survey for residents in sparsely populated areas and persons crossing the border

Thu, 20 Nov 2025 13:22:00 GMT

Surveys at border crossing points will be carried out at the airports in Helsinki, Rovaniemi and Kuusamo.

The results from the survey will be utilised by the Finnish Border Guard in developing their operations and services.

This survey will be carried out by an impartial research company, Innolink Research Oy, on behalf of the Finnish Border Guard.

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The Finnish Border Guard selects Trackfire ARES Remote Weapon Station

Fri, 14 Nov 2025 10:00:00 GMT

The Finnish Border Guard will be the second Trackfire Remote Weapon Station operator in Finland, but the first for the new Trackfire ARES (Aerial Response) RWS. The ARES-version is equipped with a solution which can effectively neutralize drones.

“Finnish Border Guard is constantly developing capabilities due to changing security environment. New technologies and systems are needed for example to enhance C-UAS capabilities.”, states major-general Jari Tolppanen, chief of The Technical Division of the Border Guard Headquarters.

“We are proud that the Finnish Border Guard has selected Trackfire ARES Remote Weapon Station for their operations and we are looking forward to continue the RWS journey in Finland together with them. The Finnish Border Guard is the first customer for the new Trackfire ARES RWS and we will do our outmost to deliver on that important commitment.” says Saab NCS Head of Product Unit UTAAS and Trackfire, Mrs. Lena Öström.

The Trackfire Remote Weapon Station offers exceptional hit performance thus minimizing ammunition usage and collateral damage. It is capable of firing on the move while fixed to naval ships and land vehicles, as well as being deployed to stationary defense positions.

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The Finnish Border Guard to join the European gendarmerie cooperation

Wed, 29 Oct 2025 08:41:00 GMT

Gendarmerie refers to a militarily organised competent law enforcement authority, whose duties include internal security. These duties include, among others, border security, law enforcement and crime prevention. In addition, the gendarmerie has command of the competence, skills and tasks related to military duties.

The European Gendarmerie Force supports law enforcement

EUROGENDFOR is an organisation consisting of gendarmerie authorities in the European Union member states. Authorities who have joined the organisation are specialised in the operations of law enforcement authorities in normal conditions as well as during times of crisis. Its duties include, for instance, restoring overall security, maintenance of order, crime prevention and development of law enforcement authorities’ organisations in crisis areas.

From the Finnish Border Guard’s perspective, the gendarmerie cooperation offers several benefits. This cooperation brings Finland closer to Europe’s large member states in terms of security authorities’ functions. Furthermore, close cooperation may also enable rapid assistance to the Finnish Border Guard or other national authorities in a possible crisis situation.

General Luongo, Chief of the Carabinieri, and Chief of the finnish Border Guard, viceadmiral Hassinen met in Rome.

Partner membership in processing

The Finnish Border Guard has met with central European authorities and gendarmerie forces. Based on received observations, the Finnish Border Guard has good qualifications for becoming a part of the EUROGENDFOR organisation. The Finnish Border Guard prepares for becoming a partner in the EUROGENDFOR organisation. Along with becoming a partner, the Finnish Border Guard can participate in EUROGENDFOR’s training sessions and development work, information exchange, as well as possible international operations. The Finnish Border Guard also prepares for sending a liaison officer to EUROGENDFOR’s headquarters in Vicenza, Italy.

Finland’s border surveillance and military defence will remain unchanged

Development of the gendarmerie cooperation does not affect the Finnish Border Guard’s military defence duties or the development of the Finnish Border Guard’s functions as part of the national defence system. The gendarmerie cooperation enables the development of international training and exercise cooperation within border security concerning the Finnish Border Guard’s operations both on land, at sea and in the air. Through this we can also further the understanding of the security environment. The cooperation develops those capabilities of the Finnish Border Guard that will remain as the Finnish Border Guard’s responsibility in all conditions, and the effective implementation of these capabilities creates facilities to ensure the critical functions of our society as well as an operational defence system.

Further information:
The European Gendarmerie Force is a multinational police force with military status to provide police capabilities in crisis management operations.

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Rajamme Vartijat 3/2025 magazine published – focus on military defence

Thu, 16 Oct 2025 08:18:00 GMT

Training of conscripts is one of the Border Guard’s duties. Military service at the Border Guard is a demanding training that is about to go through some interesting changes. MyMilitary offers new services to Finnish Border Guard’s reservists, too.

While the border crossing points on the eastern border have been closed, the focus of the Border Guard’s operations has shifted from border controls to surveillance of terrain border at the land borders. Meanwhile, we strongly invest in developing the border surveillance technique. Our strategic projects, that is to say the eastern barrier fence and the acquisition of aircraft, proceed in order to maintain Finland’s border security and to develop our border surveillance.

Rajamme Vartijat magazine’s main articles are also published in English.

Over 100 years of military national defence
Conscript and reservist training in the Finnish Border Guard
From border checks to land border surveillance
Smart and comprehensive border surveillance technologies

Open the magazine as PDF file.

Previous Rajamme Vartijat magazines are available on Rajamedia website.

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The Finnish Border Guard supports border surveillance in Latvia

Fri, 05 Sep 2025 07:22:00 GMT

The support division consists of border control patrols, which carry out similar border security duties in Latvia as they do in Finland. Support will be provided until 22 September. The request for support is based on the cooperation agreement between the Finnish and the Latvian Border Guards.

The pressure resulting from illegal migration has increased at the border between Latvia and Belarus during 2025. Latvia has enhanced its border surveillance since March. Estonian and Lithuanian border authorities have already supported Latvia with their resources.

The Finnish Border Guard constantly has officials in Latvia and elsewhere in Europe via the European Border and Coast Guard Agency Frontex. In 2025, Finnish border guards have been supporting maintenance of border security in twenty different European countries. The border security of the target state is supported by these assignments.

– Providing and receiving border security support improves the Finnish Border Guard’s capabilities and readiness to react to promptly changing and unpredictable border situation both in Finland and elsewhere in the Schengen Area, states Border Security Specialist Topi Räsänen from the Finnish Border Guard Headquarters.

– By supporting border security elsewhere at Schengen Borders, we also directly support the Finnish border security, Räsänen estimates.

These assignments improve the professional competence of the Finnish Border Guard’s personnel, as well as increase their perspective of the European border security situation and of its development in different countries. Finland also receives support via Frontex. Frontex officials are continuously posted in Finland to support the Finnish Border Guard in border security duties. The professional competence of Finnish border guards is highly appreciated throughout Europe.

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Baltic Sea countries enhance information exchange to manage security risks

Mon, 01 Sep 2025 11:21:00 GMT

The risk of a serious maritime accident has increased, and any resulting oil spill would have severe consequences for both the region’s ecosystems and the free use of the sea for commercial traffic. In light of these mounting safety concerns, enhanced information sharing among EU member states is more vital than ever.

In February 2025, the European Commission introduced an action plan to improve the security of underwater cables, aiming to protect critical infrastructure. The plan encourages enhancing information exchange between member states. (EU Action Plan on Cable Security – EUR-Lex.europa.eu)

The goal of the Finnish Border Guard's project Development of the International Maritime Picture 2 is to create a technical capability to securely exchange surveillance data related to maritime areas with authorities in other EU member states and with EU’s decentralised agencies. CISE Classified Network enables the exchange of classified information.

Primary objective is to share and receive information with Baltic Sea countries

In May 2025, the Finnish Border Guard outlined which information it will share within the CISE (Common Information Sharing Environment). The aim is to improve data exchange particularly between the Baltic Sea countries. Discussions about information sharing are currently ongoing with the Baltic countries and the European Maritime Safety Agency (EMSA).

The first steps toward co-developing of CISE information exchange between the Swedish Coast Guard and the Finnish Border Guard have already been taken. Plans are also underway for EMSA to share some of its information with the Finnish Border Guard via CISE.

Technical working group begins its operations

During autumn 2025, the steps and timeline for technical implementation will be planned. The technical project group is responsible for the technical planning and implementation. The CISE development will be aligned with the schedules of other technical projects of the Finnish Border Guard as well as EMSA’s CISE Classified Network development timetable. The goal is that CISE is operational within the Finnish Border Guard, and that data is being exchanged by mid-2027.

External funding to support the development of Finland’s international maritime situational picture

With the European Union participating in the funding, the Development of the International Maritime Situational Picture 2 project is receiving funding from the European Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund (EMFAF). With the EMFAF funding, the safety of the seas will be improved by supporting initiatives that increase the maritime area monitoring and ensure sustainable use of these areas.

With the €1.4 million funding received from EMFAF, the Finnish Border Guard will plan and build CISE, through which maritime situational awareness data will be shared and received with EU member states.

More information about CISE:

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The Entry/Exit System (EES) will be introduced on 12 October 2025

Fri, 29 Aug 2025 07:20:00 GMT

The Entry/Exit System will improve the quality and efficiency of border checks. Furthermore, it offers the authorities of the Member States up-to-date and reliable information about non-EU nationals’ entries, exits and residence in the Schengen area.

In the EU-wide database, with a few exceptions, border crossings of non-EU nationals, as well as information on possible refused entries into the territory of the Member States is registered.

The implementation begins with a transitional stage

The Entry/Exit System is implemented to border checks during the six month long transitional stage. During this time the new methods are implemented and standardized. The transitional stage gives the authorities, the transport industry and travellers time to adjust to the changes.

For further information

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