Finland's navy plans to open an unmanned systems company at Upinniemi at the start of 2027. The unit is intended to train personnel and develop equipment for operations above and below the sea and in the air. Commanders describe the systems as complements to crewed platforms, with full capability targeted in approximately two years.
Finland's navy plans to establish an unmanned systems company in the Coastal Brigade at Upinniemi, Finland, at the start of 2027.[1], [2]
The unit is tasked with training personnel and developing the use of remotely operated equipment. Brigade commander Henri Lavi said its systems would operate on the sea surface, underwater and in the air. The navy targets full capability in approximately two years.[1]
The navy and Finnish defence company Patria demonstrated equipment at Upinniemi on 5 November. A commercial personal watercraft fitted with autonomous controls carried radar during the demonstration and was operated from a computer. Patria executive Mikko Leino described the conversion of such commercial craft using the company's autonomy equipment. The vehicles can serve surveillance and reconnaissance tasks, with armament envisaged for wartime use.[1]
Navy commander Tuomas Tiilikainen said unmanned craft would complement crewed platforms in Finland's shallow, rocky coastal waters. He emphasised operating without exposing personnel and avoiding human fatigue. Lavi described an acquisition approach centred on training purchases and close ties with domestic manufacturers, allowing equipment to be obtained quickly when needed. The company also plans cooperation with equivalent army and air-force units and with industry as it develops capabilities.[1]
