Finland inks €14m drone deal to boost army training

HELSINKI – Finland's Defence Forces have signed a €14 million agreement to buy First Person View (FPV) combat drones from Finnish technology company Insta Group.

The contract was signed on 24 August 2026. It covers the drones themselves, as well as training, spare parts, and maintenance services. All of the drone systems will be manufactured in Finland.

The drones are being bought for training purposes, but they also have the ability to carry weapons and other equipment. The Finnish Army began training conscripts to fly FPV drones in autumn 2025. Starting from early 2026, that training has been expanded to other brigade-level units. This new deal will further expand drone training to all brigade-level units across the country.

The purchase is part of the Finnish Defence Forces' long-term plan to develop drone and unmanned systems capabilities. The military says unmanned systems have become increasingly important in modern warfare.

FPV drones are remote-controlled aircraft that the pilot flies using special goggles that show a live view from the drone's camera. They can be used for reconnaissance, engineering, and supply missions.