Explosive-laden drone found in Rõuge municipality field

A local resident discovered a drone with an explosive device weighing approximately five kilograms in a field in Rõuge municipality about two weeks ago. According to Police and Border Guard Bureau Chief Harris Puuseppa, the drone likely originated from the Ukrainian attack on Russia on 3 June and landed on Estonian territory after deviating from its course.

A local resident who went to mow hay discovered a drone with an explosive device weighing approximately five kilograms in thick grass in Rõuge municipality. Police and Border Guard Bureau Chief Harris Puuseppa confirmed to ERR that notice of the incident arrived on the evening of 10 June.

"A person went to mow and discovered a drone lying in tall grass. There were also some drone parts on a tree, so it apparently fell from there," explained Puuseppa.

Connection to the 3 June drone alert

In Puuseppa's assessment, it is likely that this is one of the vehicles mentioned in the drone alert. In the early hours of 3 June, the Defence Force sent alerts to several counties about a possible drone threat, but on the same day it was reported that no drones were found on Estonian territory.

"Likely in this particular drone's case as well, the Air Force radar detected it and fighters were sent to intercept it, but no further position confirmation was obtained. This alleged drone's radar blip disappeared near the location where the wreckage was now found. Therefore, based on available data, it can be said that this is the drone detected on 3 June," said Puuseppa.

Why was the public not informed earlier?

Puuseppa explained that the public was not informed immediately because large-scale exercises called "Lynx" were taking place at the same time, which required more resources. The danger zone was cordoned off to prevent random people from entering it.

"Our investigators naturally responded to such an incident, and it is true that no public notification occurred at that time. A danger zone was established so that random people would not enter there. Now we can talk about it," added Puuseppa.

Puuseppa emphasized that no additional downed drones have been found in Estonia. He reminded that such a drone is dangerous and any find should be reported to emergency number 112 and a safe distance maintained.

Ukraine attacked Russia on the night of 3 June

On the night of 3 June, Ukraine attacked military targets in Russia, including an arms factory in Tambov Oblast, an oil terminal in St. Petersburg, and a naval base in Kronstadt. Some drones were reportedly directed towards Moscow as well. Presumably, one drone deviated from its course and reached Estonian airspace.