Finland Strengthens Border Security with Russia

Finland’s Border Measures

Finland has intensified its border security with Russia in response to perceived threats. Interior Minister Mari Rantanen announced the completion of a 120-mile fence near Nuijamaa, a key border crossing in the southeast. This follows Finland’s December 2023 decision to close its 832-mile border with Russia. The closure came after over 1,300 migrants arrived without visas. Finland accuses Russia of using these migrants as part of a hybrid warfare strategy, which Moscow denies.

Security Concerns and NATO Membership

The decision to build the fence is part of Finland’s broader response to security concerns in Europe. Rantanen emphasized that each state must ensure its own security. This move aligns with Finland’s measures following its NATO membership, which came after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Sari Arho Havrén from the Royal United Services Institute noted ongoing threats at the Finnish border, particularly related to instrumentalized migration.

Border Security Act and Military Strengthening

Finland is considering extending its Border Security Act until the end of 2028. This law allows for exceptional measures against instrumentalized migration. Currently, all land border crossings with Russia are closed indefinitely. The Finnish government believes these steps are essential given the potential repeat of past tactics by Russia.

Finland is also enhancing its military capabilities as part of NATO. Recently, the Finnish defense company Patria produced its first F-35 fighter jet engine. Additionally, Finland has ordered 64 F-35A fighter jets from Lockheed Martin. The first jets are expected to arrive by the end of the year.

Construction and Features of the Border Fence

The decision to build the fence along Finland’s eastern border began in October 2022. Political leaders reached a consensus to start the project, with construction commencing in April 2023 near Imatra. The fence covers the southeast, North Karelia, Kainuu, and Finnish Lapland regions, totaling 356 million euros ($413 million). It features modern security elements like patrol roads, loudspeakers, surveillance cameras, and night lighting. Similar measures have been seen in Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, and Poland on borders with Belarus.