logo
Finland summons Russian diplomat after suspected airspace violation

Finland summons Russian diplomat after suspected airspace violation

Finland's defence minister Antti Hakkanen said an investigation into yesterday's incident has been launched. (AFP pic)
HELSINKI: Finland on Wednesday summoned Russia's charge d'affaires for talks, a day after a Russian military aircraft was suspected of violating Finnish airspace, the foreign ministry told AFP.
Finland's defence ministry said on Tuesday that it believed a Russian military aircraft had violated Finnish airspace off the coast of Porvoo, east of the capital Helsinki.
The foreign ministry said it would provide more details after the talks.
The incident came only weeks after a similar incident, which was also followed by a summoning of Russia's diplomatic representative.
Finland, which joined Nato in 2023 after Moscow's fully-fledged invasion of Ukraine a year earlier, shares a 1,340km border with Russia.
'An investigation into the alleged violation of airspace was launched immediately,' defence minister Antti Hakkanen said of Tuesday's incident, adding that the coast guard would head the inquiry.
Moscow has repeatedly warned Finland of possible repercussions over its decision to join Nato, amid heightened tensions.
Hakkanen told AFP in mid-May that Finland was 'closely monitoring and assessing Russia's activities and intentions'.
He was commenting after the New York Times published satellite images appearing to show an expansion of Russian military infrastructure near the border.
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Top News Headlines In Indonesia, Laos, Myanmar, Singapore, Thailand & Vietnam: July 30, 2025
Top News Headlines In Indonesia, Laos, Myanmar, Singapore, Thailand & Vietnam: July 30, 2025

Barnama

time3 hours ago

  • Barnama

Top News Headlines In Indonesia, Laos, Myanmar, Singapore, Thailand & Vietnam: July 30, 2025

President Prabowo Subianto praised Tuesday Malaysia's peace broker role in the deadly border clash between ASEAN members Cambodia and Thailand. Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim recently facilitated an 'immediate and unconditional ceasefire' between the Southeast Asian neighbours. Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has praised the leaders of both Thailand and Cambodia for agreeing to a ceasefire in their peace talks, calling it a reaffirmation of ASEAN's 'convening power' and a testament to the bloc's ability to resolve conflict through dialogue, mutual trust and regional cooperation. LAO-RUSSIA HISTORICAL AFFINITY -- VIENTIANE TIMES Lao President Thongloun will visit Russia at the invitation of Russian President Vladimir Putin to strengthen bilateral ties that date back to 1960. Both nations have been collaborating in mineral exploration and processing, energy, education, public health and cultural exchanges. FLOODS, WIND DESTROY CROPS -- VIENTIANE TIMES The monsoon rains and flooding continue to damage roads, agricultural production and impact the livelihoods of local communities. Farmers are experiencing heavy losses as strong winds and flooding have damaged their crops. MYANMAR GROWERS EXPLORING RUSSIAN MARKET -- THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR The Myanmar Trade Promotion Organisation plans to export mango pulp to Russia. Mango yield has declined by 50 per cent this year and domestic and foreign demand is weak. Myanmar has been exporting fresh mangoes to China. TAPS INDIA'S SCIENCE EXPERTISE -- THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR Myanmar and India signed a Programme of Cooperation in Science and Technology agreement yesterday in Nay Pyi Taw. It will foster partnership in biotechnology, medicine and agriculture, nanotechnology, green technologies and robotics. SINGAPORE CLARITY YET ON BASELINE OR PHARMACEUTICAL TARIFFS WITH US: DPM GAN -- THE STRAITS TIMES The US government did not negotiate its tariffs on Singapore and did not want to commit on whether the 10 per cent baseline tax could rise or fall in the future, said Deputy Prime Minister Gan Kim Yong. KEEPS MONETARY POLICY UNCHANGED AFTER EASING TWICE THIS YEAR -- CNA The Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) kept its exchange rate-based monetary policy unchanged on Wednesday (Jul 30) after easing twice earlier this year. THAILAND 1. ALLEGED CAMBODIAN ARMY LIEUTENANT ARRESTED FOR ALLEGED SPYING IN CHANTHABURI -- THE NATION Alleged Cambodian army officer arrested in Chanthaburi for allegedly spying on Thai military; digital evidence and uniforms found. 2. PROTESTS LODGED AS PACT BROKEN -- BANGKOK POST Thailand lodged diplomatic protests against Cambodia yesterday for violating their ceasefire agreement, Foreign Affairs Minister Maris Sangiampongsa said. VIETNAM WINS U-23 FOOTBALL TITLE THRICE -- VIETNAM PLUS Vietnam's national U-23 football team successfully defended their ASEAN U23 Championship after defeating host Indonesia 1-0 in the final yesterday. The team has won the title for three consecutive years. FISHING EDUCATION FOR FISHERMEN -- VIETNAMPLUS Ho Chi Minh City authorities organised an awareness campaign for fishermen on combating illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing. The city's Long Hai commune owns the largest fishing fleet with over 1,400 vessels. -- BERNAMA BERNAMA provides up-to-date authentic and comprehensive news and information which are disseminated via BERNAMA Wires; BERNAMA TV on Astro 502, unifi TV 631 and MYTV 121 channels and BERNAMA Radio on FM93.9 (Klang Valley), FM107.5 (Johor Bahru), FM107.9 (Kota Kinabalu) and FM100.9 (Kuching) frequencies. Follow us on social media : Facebook : @bernamaofficial, @bernamatv, @bernamaradio Twitter : @ @BernamaTV, @bernamaradio Instagram : @bernamaofficial, @bernamatvofficial, @bernamaradioofficial TikTok : @bernamaofficial

RMN showcases firepower and readiness in maritime exercise
RMN showcases firepower and readiness in maritime exercise

Borneo Post

time16 hours ago

  • Borneo Post

RMN showcases firepower and readiness in maritime exercise

A missile fired from a RMN ship during the Taming Sari Series 23/25 exercise in the South China Sea. KOTA KINABALU (July 29): The Royal Malaysian Navy (RMN) demonstrated its operational strength and capabilities in defending the nation's maritime interests during the large-scale Taming Sari Series 23/25 exercise in the South China Sea on Tuesday. Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin, who witnessed the event, said the exercise served as a vital platform to evaluate the readiness and competence of RMN assets and personnel in handling conventional maritime threats. 'This exercise is not merely a military routine, but a crucial requirement to ensure our personnel are not only well-equipped with assets but are also capable of defending the country at all times,' he told a press conference after observing missile and torpedo firings at Kota Kinabalu Terminal 2. Among the highlights of the exercise were the successful launches of Exocet missiles from KD Lekiu and KD Lekir, as well as an Exocet SM39 missile from the submarine KD Tunku Abdul Rahman. The RMN's second submarine, KD Tun Razak, carried out a live torpedo launch in a real war configuration. According to Mohamed Khaled, the missile firings were conducted from distances exceeding 30 kilometers, while torpedo launches were within 10 kilometers — effectively testing the tactical and technical capabilities of RMN's primary naval assets. In addition to these vessels, RMN deployed several other ships including KD Seri Indera Sakti, KD Kelantan, KD Selangor, KD Badik and KD Terengganu. The exercise also assessed the current condition of RMN assets — ranging from older ships to new vessels under construction. 'We need to evaluate the effectiveness and operational readiness of these assets regularly,' Mohamed Khaled said. In total, 17 RMN ships, two submarines, two aircraft and three helicopters participated, involving over 1,400 officers and personnel. 'This exercise also reinforces our defense doctrine, which is defensive in nature and aimed at safeguarding the nation, the region, and maritime interests,' he added. Mohamed Khaled noted that RMN is undergoing asset modernization through the 15-to-5 transformation plan, which will streamline the fleet into five main ship classes to enhance operational and maintenance efficiency. He emphasized that such exercises must be conducted consistently, as they involve not only technological strength but also the physical and mental endurance of both experienced and new personnel. 'This isn't a new initiative — it has been conducted for a long time — but what makes this year's edition special is the integrated use of all three systems: surface, subsurface, and air,' he said. 'Missile and torpedo firings require meticulous planning and management, as each round is a high-value asset and cannot be used carelessly.' Also present were Defence Ministry Secretary-General Datuk Lokman Hakim Ali, Navy Commander Admiral Tan Sri (Dr) Zulhelmy Ithnain, Malaysian Armed Forces Chief of Staff Lieutenant General Datuk Azhan Md Othman, and senior RMN officers.

Ministry to press ahead with armed forces modernisation, says Khaled
Ministry to press ahead with armed forces modernisation, says Khaled

New Straits Times

time19 hours ago

  • New Straits Times

Ministry to press ahead with armed forces modernisation, says Khaled

KOTA KINABALU: The Defence Ministry is pressing ahead with plans to modernise the armed forces to ensure operational readiness and long-term sustainability, said Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin. Khaled said the current state of armed forces operations remained stable, but emphasised the need for forward-looking strategies. "Everything is going well. But that doesn't mean we don't have plans. We are aware of the aging condition of our assets. All our services are undergoing a process of modernisation. "As for the navy, they will have the 15-to-5 plan. Previously, there were 15 different types of ships and assets. From those 15 types, they will focus on five main types of assets," he said during a press conference at Terminal 2 Kota Kinabalu Airport here. Khaled was speaking to the media following the successful live firing of Exocet missiles and a Black Shark torpedo, during the concluding phase of joint naval drills dubbed Eksesais TAMING SARI 23/25 and Eksesais KERISMAS 28/25. The exercises involved the launch of ship-borne Exocet MM40 missiles by KD Lekiu and KD Lekir, as well as the coordinated underwater firing of an Exocet SM39 from the submarine KD Tunku Abdul Rahman. For the first time, the exercise also featured the firing of a Black Shark War torpedo in full combat configuration from KD Tun Razak. "The success of these missile and torpedo firings clearly demonstrates the navy's seriousness in projecting its capability and determination to defend Malaysia's maritime sovereignty and territorial integrity." Eksesais Taming Sari 23/25 was held together with Eksesais KERISMAS 28/25, running from July 8 to 31. Both exercises began at the Lumut naval base and would conclude at the Kota Kinabalu naval base, covering Malaysia's maritime zone in the South China Sea. The joint exercises focused on multi-domain operational capability and interoperability between participating units. Additionally, the drill provided a strategic platform to enhance synergy between defence and security agencies, involving the army , Royal Malaysian Air Force and the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency. Present were the ministry secretary-general Datuk Lokman Hakim Ali, Navy chief Admiral Tan Sri Zulhelmy Ithna and Malaysian Armed Forces Headquarters chief-of-staff Lieutenant-General Datuk Azhan Md Othman.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store