Finnish Border Guard launches new partnership with Elisa and Sensofusion for drone detection
The Finnish Border Guard, Elisa Corporation and Sensofusion Oy have agreed on the trial run of a drone detection system in Southeast Finland. The trial supports the maintenance of border security by improving the Finnish Border Guard’s capabilities to detect drones in a key area of focus. The system is to be deployed in Southeast Finland.
The Finnish Border Guard has previously signed an agreement with Sensofusion on the procurement and construction of a drone detection system. The technical prerequisites for the current trial result from cooperation between Elisa and Sensofusion. During the trial, all parties are responsible for their own costs.
The sensor network produces detection data on drones for the Finnish Border Guard's use in its surveillance operations. The trial enhances drone detection ahead of the full deployment of the actual system, and provides the Finnish Border Guard with an opportunity to develop its operating models and expertise. The system is based on Sensofusion's identification technology and Elisa's digital infrastructure.
The Finnish Border Guard develops counter-drone capabilities both in its own separate projects and in cooperation with other authorities.
Together with other authorities, the Finnish Border Guard actively participates in building a national, layered framework of drone detection and counter-drone capabilities.
No single detection system can comprehensively detect all drones, which is why effective detection capability must be built using a multi-technology approach.
Views of the parties
– Maintaining border security requires continuous development of capabilities. Detecting drones is a new kind of task that cannot be solved with a single system. It is excellent that Finnish industry was able to swiftly support the Finnish Border Guard in strengthening border security, says Major General Jari Tolppanen, Chief of the Technical Division of the Finnish Border Guard Headquarters.
– As a Finnish operator, Elisa wants to be in the heart of developing and offering technology that increases security. The cooperation with the Finnish Border Guard and Sensofusion supports this goal and shows how combining data and network infrastructure can quickly promote innovative solutions that strengthen Finland's comprehensive security, says Topi Manner, CEO of Elisa.
– This project is a good example of what kind of expertise can be found in Finland and how Finnish companies are able to react quickly when needed, says Tuomas Rasila, CEO of Sensofusion.
Duration and extension of the trial
The trial runs until 30 September 2026 and a decision on any extension will be made separately.
The Finnish Border Guard will continue to systematically develop its drone detection and counter-drone capabilities through both inter-authority cooperation and partnerships, mapping a wide range of suitable technologies.
