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Unidentified drone spotted over Valajaskoski hydroelectric power station in Rovaniemi, Finland.

During the weekend of 20–21 September 2025, an unidentified large drone was observed flying over the Valajaskoski hydroelectric power station near Rovaniemi in northern Finland, violating restrictions on unmanned aircraft operations around critical energy infrastructure. According to Finnish public broadcaster Yle, a passer-by witnessed the drone operating above the facility and notified the police, who subsequently confirmed receiving the report. The power station, operated by Finnish energy company Kemijoki Oy, is located along the Kemijoki River and forms part of the country’s hydroelectric generation infrastructure. Since August 2025, Finnish authorities had designated power stations as restricted airspace for unmanned aerial vehicles, making unauthorised drone flights over such facilities prohibited. Juha Kytölähti, the company’s emergency preparedness manager, confirmed that the operator received information about the sighting and independently notified law enforcement authorities.

Occurrence

2025-09-20

Publication

2025-09-20

First observed

2026-10-20T10:30:42.945Z

Review status

Not assessed

Countries

FI

Updated

2026-10-20T10:30:42.945Z