New project to specify powers of police to intercept path of unmanned aircraft and devices

The Ministry of the Interior has set up a legislative project to specify the powers of the police to intercept the path of unmanned aircraft, i.e. drones, and other unmanned devices. The aim of the project is to ensure the ability of the police to detect and identify drones and other unmanned devices, and to specify the regulation on the use of force to intercept the path of such devices.

The police may intercept the use of drones when necessary for purposes such as maintaining public order and security. Powers are also needed to prevent offences and safeguard significant state visits.

Drone technology is developing rapidly. Amendments to the Police Act will ensure that the police can respond more effectively to criminal threats posed by drones. The project will also assess the powers of the police to influence the path of unmanned devices in wooded or open terrain and in Finland's territorial waters.

The project will run until 31 May 2026. 

Inquiries:
Marja-Leena Härkönen, Senior Specialist, tel. +358 295 488 297, firstname.lastname@gov.fi