Finland’s National Drone Strategy: Unlocking Business Development Opportunities
14.2.2025
The Finnish Defence and Aviation Industry Association (PIA) published Finland’s national drone strategy, in collaboration with industry stakeholders and government agencies to position the country as a global leader in drone development and commercialization. With the global drone market expected to reach €50–250 billion by 2030, this strategy presents economic opportunities for Finnish companies. By creating a favorable regulatory environment, fostering research, and supporting business development, Finland is paving the way for the rapid expansion of its drone sector.
Growing the Drone Industry and Startup Ecosystem
The strategy supports the growth of the drone industry and SMEs, encouraging new companies specializing in drone technologies and services. Finland is positioned to lead in drone-related startups per capita, supported by research institutions and universities. The country aims to scale drone businesses globally through investments in research, talent attraction, and R&D funding.
A key driver is the Drones-as-a-Service (DaaS) model, enabling industries to integrate drone technology. This model is expected to create new revenue streams and expand drone use in logistics, security, and infrastructure monitoring.
Investment in Infrastructure and Testing Facilities
The strategy prioritizes investment in drone infrastructure, including large-scale testing laboratories, open-air test sites, and national R&D facilities . Finland’s Arctic conditions, forests, and vast water bodies, offer a unique testing environment.
According to the strategy, commercial drone businesses will have access to regulatory-compliant testing environments, reducing entry barriers and facilitating faster product deployment. Standardized testing parameters and open-access test sites will support companies in developing export-compliant drone solutions.
Improving Regulations and Market Access
The strategy focuses on simplifying regulatory processes and aligning them with EU standards .It aims to eliminate regulatory bottlenecks, helping businesses scale and operate internationally.
Government drone requirements across security, defense, and public applications will be standardized. Procurement and fleet management standardization is expected to create long-term business opportunities for Finnish drone manufacturers and service providers.
Encouraging Innovation and Commercialization
The strategy promotes experimentation-driven innovation, allowing companies to test and commercialize drone technologies with minimal bureaucracy. The government plans to create low-threshold environments for startups to develop AI-powered UAVs and autonomous systems.
A major focus is export potential, with the strategy stating that Finnish drone products should align with global security and business standards. The country aims to develop export-compliant drone models for international markets.
The strategy also encourages tax incentives and investment policies to promote innovation, highlighting the need to implement long-planned innovation partnership models, which remain unrealized.
Ensuring Long-Term Business Viability
To support industry growth, the strategy outlines increased investment in unmanned aviation research through Business Finland, VTT, and the Finnish Defence Forces . A national drone research program will drive technological advancements.
The strategy also emphasizes security of supply, aiming to reduce reliance on foreign suppliers. It highlights lifecycle management and upgradability, enabling drone businesses to adapt their products to changing market needs.
Conclusion
Finland’s drone strategy presents business development opportunities in startups, infrastructure investment, regulations, and exports. It outlines plans for innovation, regulatory updates, and R&D investments to position Finland in the global drone market. Finnish companies are expected to leverage these opportunities and expand their business models in the evolving drone sector.
