Finland’s defence industry faces a genuine threat of Russian sabotage, according to the Finnish Security and Intelligence Service, which says activity consistent with reconnaissance of possible targets has already been detected in the country.
The agency, known as Supo, told MTV Uutiset that Finland is not separate from the wider threat facing Europe’s defence sector.
“There are no indications of an immediate threat, but the situation can change even on a daily basis,” Supo said.
The warning comes as European intelligence services report that Russia has stepped up hybrid operations against companies and individuals involved in supporting Ukraine. The Financial Times reported this week that western intelligence agencies have warned senior European defence executives of possible Russian assassination plots.
Supo says there is no indication that assassination threats currently stand out in Finland from the broader sabotage risk. However, it says the threat to defence companies should be taken seriously.
Expanded sabotage campaign
According to Supo, Russian sabotage activity in Europe became more active again during the summer after a quieter period last year.
“The probability of sabotage in European countries has increased again,” the agency said, adding that Moscow’s aim is to weaken European support for Ukraine.
Supo says Russian operations were previously concentrated more heavily in countries such as Poland and the Baltic states, but the activity is now directed more broadly at European arms manufacturers and other organisations involved in supporting Ukraine.
That means companies in Finland could also become targets even if Finland itself is not a primary focus.
Polish Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski has also warned that NATO countries should prepare for the possibility of a Russian hybrid attack causing fatalities and consider what kind of collective response would follow.
Weak security could attract attacks
Supo says potential targets are likely to be selected opportunistically. Sites identified in advance as having weak protection may be more attractive, which means basic security measures can have a significant deterrent effect.
According to the agency, measures such as visible round-the-clock guarding or stronger perimeter protection may already reduce the likelihood of an attack.
Finnish defence companies also face a persistent cyber-espionage threat. Supo says Russia is seeking information on defence and dual-use innovations that could support its war effort in Ukraine.
Foreign and security policy expert Henri Vanhanen described Supo’s warning as highly serious.
He called for a nationwide security review of Finland’s defence industry, covering physical security, staff, subcontractors and information systems.
“Protecting the operational capacity of Finland’s defence industry is a national security task,” Vanhanen wrote on X.
His comment comes against a broader European backdrop in which Russia has increasingly relied on sabotage, arson, cyber operations and other forms of pressure below the threshold of conventional war.
NATO’s Supreme Allied Commander Europe, General Alexus Grynkewich, warned this week that the alliance is closely watching such activity and is prepared to respond if necessary.