International basic training course on drop-capable drones organized in Tikkakoski

The Air Force Command Finland organized a basic training course on drop-capable drones in cooperation with the European Defence Agency (EDA) in Tikkakoski from 31 August to 3 September 2026.

Participants from seven European countries attended the training. Reservists from the Finnish National Defence Training Association (MPK) served as flight instructors of the course under the guidance of the Finnish Air Force Academy’s personnel.

The event was organized as part of the EDA’s TREX (Training & Exercises) programme for unmanned military aviation. The programme’s objectives include, among other things, harmonizing flight training programmes and establishing a network of European drone training centers.

The course was conducted using the Finnish Patria SKY unmanned military aircraft and included both classroom instruction and flight operations. Initially, the trainees completed the Finnish Defence Forces' Patria SKY type rating training. Subsequently, they were qualified under the Finnish Defence Forces' drop training programme. Each trainee performed approximately 20 drops against stationary and moving targets. 3D-printed practice grenades were used in the drops.

Upon completion of the training, participants are proficient in flying with a heavy payload, aiming at various targets, and releasing the payload. The training facilitates a smooth transition to heavier and more demanding UAS bomber systems. Above all, it lays the groundwork for further skill development through practice, and enables participating nations to refine their own training programs based on the knowledge acquired. Finnish instructors gained valuable experience in teaching international trainees in English. At the same time, feedback was received from both the course participants and the reservist instructors on how the Finnish training program could be further improved.

The unmanned military aviation center of excellence that is being established at MPK’s Tikkakoski training site is a potential venue for hosting international training events also in the future. Such an operating model would provide an excellent training environment for MPK’s flight instructors, without tying up significant numbers of the Finnish Defence Forces' personnel.