Sep 29, 2026, 10:30 AM UTC

Political science scholar Alpo Rusi has published detailed analysis regarding Soviet covert operations in Finland during the late 1970s and early 1980s. Writing in Iltalehti, Rusi focused on intimidation tactics aimed at Keijo Liinamaa, who served as Finland's prime minister and national conciliator prior to his death in 1980.

According to Rusi, Moscow’s intelligence apparatus actively attempted to manipulate domestic Finnish politics and steer political succession during the final years of President Urho Kekkonen's tenure. Liinamaa had disclosed receiving threats before his passing, illustrating the broader pressure strategy deployed against high-ranking Finnish officials to secure Soviet influence during critical Cold War political transitions.

Sources: Iltalehti.

A Finnish volunteer combatant in his fifties from Helsinki has been detained in Russia on mercenary charges after traveling to Africa, according to Finnish media. The individual, identified by the pseudonym "Mikael," fought alongside Ukrainian forces prior to his capture, marking the first documented instance of a Finnish volunteer from the war in Ukraine being imprisoned by Russian authorities.

In a separate development, Finnish public broadcaster Yle reported that its foreign correspondent in Kyiv, Maxim Fedorov, was forced to alter a live television broadcast following a nearby Russian missile strike. Fedorov relocated to a bomb shelter minutes before going on air to deliver his report safely as sirens sounded across the Ukrainian capital.

Sources: Helsingin Sanomat, Iltalehti

German engine manufacturer Deutz AG and defence technology startup ARX Robotics have delivered the first batch of series-produced Gereon unmanned ground vehicles (UGVs) to Ukraine. Manufactured at the Deutz facility in Ulm, Germany, the initial shipment reached the Ukrainian armed forces within twelve weeks of the previously announced production ramp-up.

According to a joint company statement, this delivery represents part of a larger ongoing production contract aimed at equipping Ukrainian troops. The Gereon UGVs are modular robotic ground platforms designed for military applications, including battlefield supply, transport, and reconnaissance missions. Neither company disclosed the exact financial terms or total unit numbers involved in the agreement.

Sources: Hartpunkt

Polish defense company WB Group has unveiled Gladius 2, a next-generation loitering munition system designed to evade detection by enemy air defenses.

The new system incorporates design enhancements aimed at significantly reducing its radar cross-section and thermal signature. According to the developer, these stealth-oriented modifications specifically target engine heat output to diminish the likelihood of identification by opposing radar networks and modern tracking systems.

WB Group's development reflects a broader focus across the defense industry on enhancing unmanned aerial vehicle survivability in contested airspace, where conventional drone platforms face increasingly sophisticated air defense capabilities.

Sources: Defence Turk

Turkish defense manufacturer Canik announced plans to present a wide range of weapon systems at the 6th Azerbaijan International Defence Exhibition (ADEX 2026), scheduled for September 30 to October 2, 2026, at the Baku Expo Center. The display will feature handguns, heavy machine guns, medium-caliber cannons, and remote-controlled weapon stations.

The showcase aims to strengthen defense industry ties between Turkey and Azerbaijan. Canik, a prominent exporter in the global market, intends to leverage the Baku exhibition to broaden its regional presence and support bilateral security commitments.

Sources: Defence Turk