Finland says use of force depends on threat from airspace violations

Finland's defence minister described how the country responds to airspace violations after former prime minister Sanna Marin called for Russian aircraft to be shot down.

Häkkänen said the armed forces are responsible for monitoring Finland's airspace and can use force if needed.

The response depends on the assessed threat, rather than happening automatically after every violation.

Marin also urged EU and NATO countries to shoot down Russian fighter jets whenever they cross their airspace.

Finland's approach weighs each incident individually, using its established response system.

The statements come amid attention to activity near the Russian-Finnish border, where a British reconnaissance aircraft was recently spotted.

The accounts provided no further details about what action Finland might take next.