Finland is moving to strengthen the operational capabilities of its Border Guard as the government seeks to improve protection of critical infrastructure in maritime areas and respond more effectively to emerging drone-related threats.

The government has submitted a legislative proposal that would expand the Border Guard’s ability to prevent and stop attempts to damage important underwater infrastructure. The proposed changes are aimed at improving Finland’s preparedness in maritime areas where critical infrastructure plays an increasingly important role in national security.

Under the proposed framework, authorities would receive stronger tools to respond to activities that could threaten essential infrastructure beneath the sea. Such infrastructure can include systems and connections that are important for communications, energy supplies and other vital services.

The proposal also focuses on unmanned vehicles. Finland wants to improve the Border Guard’s ability to detect, intercept and stop drones and other unmanned systems when they pose a security risk.

The growing use of drones has created new challenges for authorities responsible for border security and critical infrastructure. Small unmanned aircraft can be difficult to detect and can potentially be used for surveillance or other activities around sensitive locations.

Strengthening the Border Guard’s powers would give Finnish authorities greater flexibility in dealing with such situations. The government considers improved preparedness particularly important as the country’s security environment continues to evolve.

The legislative proposal is also intended to clarify the responsibilities and legal powers available to authorities when responding to threats involving underwater infrastructure and unmanned vehicles.

Finland has increasingly focused on protecting critical infrastructure as part of its wider national preparedness strategy. The country’s maritime environment contains infrastructure that supports communications, transportation, energy and other essential functions.

Improving the ability of the Border Guard to respond quickly could therefore contribute to broader national resilience. Effective protection requires not only surveillance but also clear authority to intervene when a potential threat is identified.

The proposal will now proceed through Finland’s parliamentary process. If approved, the new powers would provide the Border Guard with additional tools for protecting maritime infrastructure and addressing drone-related security risks.

The initiative reflects Finland’s broader effort to strengthen preparedness and protect essential national infrastructure against changing security threats.