► Finnish Defence Forces to procure Parrot ANAFI UKR micro-UAV systems to strengthen ISR capabilities
The Finnish Defence Forces Logistics Command indicated that deliveries are expected to begin in early 2026, and that the VAT-included value is nearly €15 million. Boston Group, a long-term distribution and service support partner of Parrot in the Nordic region, is supporting the program.
Finland has operated Parrot micro-UAV systems since the launch of the first generation of Parrot’s ISR micro-UAV the ANAFI Thermal SE and then onto significant volumes of the ANAFI USA commencing in 2023, initially supporting training, field familiarisation, and the development of ISR methods and operating procedures. Through sustained use, the Parrot micro-UAV systems have been integrated into exercises and readiness activities across the force, supporting situational awareness at tactical levels in demanding terrain and climatic conditions.
The Finnish Defence Forces emphasized that modern warfare increasingly relies on the layered use of diverse, continuously evolving unmanned aerial capabilities. They noted that Parrot micro-UAVs already in service have built a solid foundation for micro-UAS training and operational use and will remain in deployment. They also pointed out that ANAFI UKR represents a significant step forward compared to existing systems, having been developed from observations and operational experience in Ukraine.
European-designed autonomous ISR systems
Parrot’s tactical micro-UAVs are designed for missions that require secure communications and protected data handling, robust performance in demanding operational environments, and rapid deployment with intuitive, unit-level ease of use. Their compact form factor supports mobility and dispersed operations, enabling teams to operate effectively in the field while maintaining a high level of operational security.
ANAFI UKR provides ground forces rapid access to advanced aerial intelligence in complex and changing operational environments, with standard features including embedded AI, advanced optical navigation, anti-spoofing frequency hopping military radio and hardened cybersecurity architecture, enabling key capabilities such as:
• Ability to fly and navigate autonomously in contested electromagnetic environments
• Real time classification & tracking
• Extended flight endurance for persistent observation• High wind-resilience and environmental reliability
• Compact, soldier-portable design optimized for rapid deployment
• Advanced secure communications and mission-software features enabling safe, efficient, and data-rich operations
• Automated mission workflows, reducing operator burden and improving tempo in high-pressure situations
The expanded capability supports missions including:
• Tactical reconnaissance and overwatch
• Target acquisition and ISR support
• Border and territorial surveillance across complex landscapes
• Maintaining situational awareness in challenged or degraded operating environments
• Rapid deployment missions requiring mobility, discretion, and resilience
Chris Roberts, Senior Vice President at Parrot, commented: “Modern operations increasingly rely on layered, rapidly evolving unmanned capabilities. The Finnish Defence Forces’ procurement underscores this reality and is intended to strengthen ISR and target acquisition conducted with unmanned systems. We are very pleased to continue to build on the solid training and operational foundation we have provided to Finish Forces for many years. With ANAFI UKR, Finland is adopting a materially enhanced micro-UAV capability shaped by lessons and experience from Ukraine, while we remain committed to turning user feedback into regular, practical upgrades that matter at unit level.”
