Large unmanned reconnaissance aircraft need a landing place in the north.
15:56•Updated 16:15
Finland is interested in having a base from which NATO’s large, unmanned reconnaissance drones could operate.
The base of the drones is currently in Italy. From there, the planes fly across NATO airspace. They have also been flown in Finnish airspace to collect intelligence information on the eastern border.
According to , planning for the future operation of drones is in the early stages in NATO. However, the military alliance would need to find a base in Northern Europe.
There is competition among NATO countries for the location, and the issue has not yet been politically aligned among the member countries. Decisions on the matter will be made next year.
According to ‘s information, Finland has offered NATO a base. The Finnish Air Force has four bases as alternatives, and of these, Pirkkala could be a likely location.
Iltalehti also tells about Drones Finland’s wish to have a drone base. According to Iltalehti’s information Finland would place the base in Pirkkala.
Inquiry about 18 km altitude
From a few ten to a few hundred employees would work at the base, depending on NATO’s future solutions.
NATO’s large unmanned reconnaissance drones are stationed in Sigonella, Sicily, Italy. When the security situation has tightened and NATO expanded to Finland and Sweden, flights have also been directed to the north.
The wingspan of the largest unmanned reconnaissance aircraft is almost 40 meters, i.e. the same as that of ordinary passenger planes. The flight radius is 16,000 kilometers. The planes fly at an altitude of up to 18 kilometers.