Russian military aircraft suspected of violating Finnish airspace

A Russian military aircraft is suspected of violating Finnish airspace over the Gulf of Finland on Wednesday afternoon, said the Ministry of Defence in a press release.

The suspected violation took place near Porkkala area when the aircraft was trying to avoid thunderstorms, said the ministry.

Finnish Air Force responded to the incident with an operational flight.

Defence Minister Antti Häkkänen said that an investigation into the suspected airspace violence was launched immediately.

The Finnish Border Guard is investigating into the incident and will provide more information later.