Maritime security

Constant presence at sea and a high level of preparedness for management and taking action in all security missions will be maintained. The Finnish maritime search and rescue (SAR) system includes resources to help all in need and prevent environmental damage.

Immediate response preparedness for safety operations and visible presence at sea and in the archipelago will be guaranteed. Up-to-date situational awareness and a continuously high level of preparedness for management and in terms of the equipment are ways to ensure the completion of multi-sectoral maritime safety missions in all conditions. The satellite, aircraft, surface vessel and underwater capacities will be utilised in cooperative activities to maintain security. Operational focus points will be defined and implemented through up-to-date risk assessments and plans.

Measures will be taken to prepare for extensive influence operations in the marine environment through cooperation of the maritime authorities. The Finnish Border Guard will be actively involved in the development of the critical maritime protection infrastructure, seeking to ensure, in its in part, adequate resources and legal competence to intervene in any maritime activity that could be a threat to Finnish interests. Surveillance activities and search and rescue missions at sea will always take into account crime prevention needs.

Maritime safety and operational capacity in sea areas will be enhanced by introducing new surveillance and rescue equipment. Two new offshore patrol vessels will be deployed for operative use by 2026. Measures will be taken to prepare for a lifecycle update of patrol vessel Turva in the early 2030s. A lifecycle update of the patrol vessel fleet will take place by 2026. New patrol aircraft will be deployed for operative use by 2027.

Performance in all weather conditions will be ensured by replacing the heavy hovercraft capacity by 2027.

Cooperation between maritime security authorities at the national level and related coordination and performance will be developed, taking into account the requirements of the EU Maritime Security Strategy and the impact of the NATO membership on preparedness and situational awareness cooperation.

Preparedness for the management of multi-sectoral incidents will be developed through international cooperation, in particular with the coast guard authorities of Sweden, Estonia, the Baltic Sea region, the other Nordic countries, the Arctic area and the North Atlantic Ocean.

Surveillance resources offered by the European Union will be utilised, focusing on Frontex and EMSA. Contributions to the development of surveillance systems and other resources will be made to ensure that they will better meet the needs of the northern Baltic Sea maritime environment during all seasons.