Fri, 11 Nov, 2016 12:06:26 AM

FTimes – STT Report, Nov 11

File Photo Lehtikuva. A Swedish government aircraft is suspected of violating the Finnish airspace south of the Åland Islands on Thursday afternoon, defence ministry sources said.

They said the violation lasted for about 40 seconds.

The Border Guard is investigating whether the aircraft infringed the Åland demilitarised zone.

Defence Ministry Communications Director Max Arhippainen said the aircraft had been in contact with the air traffic control during its flight.

“The Swedes have reached out and expressed regret that this incident occurred,” said Arhippainen.

The aircraft in question is a Gulfstream one. It is not yet clear how deep or how long the aircraft flew in the Finnish airspace, said Arhippainen.

For operational reasons, Arhippainen did not divulge whether Finnish Hornet fighters were dispatched to identify the aircraft. The aircraft was flying with a transponder.

The airspace violation happened at the same place where two American aircraft violated the airspace a year ago.

The last time a Swedish aircraft violated the Finnish airspace was in September 2012 in the Kvarken region. In the Åland, a Swedish aircraft last violated the airspace in March 2011.