The Finnish government has offered to establish a base on its territory for NATO's large reconnaissance drones, local media reported on Friday.

The drones currently operate out of Italy, but in August they also flew over Finnish airspace to gather intelligence along the country's eastern border.

The Finnish Air Force has four alternative bases, of which Pirkkala is the most likely site, according to national broadcaster Yle.

NATO's plans for the new base are still in the early stages and a decision on the location of the drone base is expected next year.

However, the military alliance confirmed it needs a location for surveillance drones in Northern Europe, according to Yle.

Finland strengthened its defense capabilities after joining NATO on April 4, 2023, which changed the balance of power in Northern Europe and resulted in increased tensions with Russia.

Finland's NATO membership drew military threats from the Kremlin, with Russian President Vladimir Putin accusing the West of "dragging" Finland into the military alliance and driving a wedge between Moscow and Helsinki.

In December, Finland closed its borders with Russia, with authorities in Helsinki accusing Moscow of carrying out a suspected "hybrid attack" and deliberately helping undocumented migrants cross into the Nordic country, a claim Russia denied.

In March, Kongsberg Defense & Aerospace (KONGSBERG), a Finnish firm, and Patria, an international defense and technology company, signed an agreement to deliver PROTECTOR remote weapon stations to over 300 Patria vehicles in Sweden and Finland.

Delivery will begin in 2025 and continue throughout the 2030s. /AA