In his final week of conscription service Jaeger Markus Aarrejoki stood on the sports field at the Santahamina garrison in Helsinki, holding the most important memento from his nine months of service — a drone nearly one metre in diameter.
The Finnish Defence Forces has taken note of the importance of drones on the modern battlefield, learning from the war in Ukraine.
Finnish defence firms have partnered with Ukrainian outfits to produce military drones and both military analysts in Finland and Finnish volunteers in Ukraine have said that Finland needs to do more to increase its drone capabilities.
Nineteen-year-old Aarrejoki is a conscript jaeger, a rank equivalent to a private. His military service as a researcher at Finland's National Defence University offers a glimpse into how the Finnish Defence Forces is adapting to drone warfare.
Under the supervision of Captain Christian Andersson, he designed and built the drone that took flight on the snow-covered artificial turf.
"I designed the shape on a computer, printed the frame and landing gear using a 3D printer, found the remaining parts and software online and assembled everything myself," Aarrejoki explained.
The drone's unique feature is its long tether to the ground, supplying continuous power and enabling extended flight times. In wartime scenarios, such a drone could help guide large crowds to safety during an aerial attack on Helsinki.
DIY robotics in defence training
A self-taught drone and UAV builder, Aarrejoki carried out his project in a small windowless lab at the university, filled with 3D printers. The printers were used to manufacture most of the parts for both Aarrejoki's drone and a ground robot designed by Captain Andersson.
According to Andersson, 3D printing is especially useful for cost-effective and rapid prototyping, both in development settings and potentially on the battlefield.
"You can print temporary spare parts to keep a tank, vehicle or cannon operational and able to get out of harm's way until it can be properly repaired," he said.
The affordability of 3D-printed equipment also allows the military to deploy machines in dangerous situations while minimising risk to troops.
"A human life is irreplaceable, but these machines are expendable," Andersson stated.
A bumpy final test flight
Aarrejoki's drone had a rough descent on its two of its previous test flights. Just a day before the last flight, it suffered motor failures and frame damage. He carried the broken frame back to the lab, printed new parts and reassembled it late into the evening.
Now airborne once again, the drone lifted off smoothly, despite challenges with the cable reel on earlier flights. It climbed steadily above treetops and hovered stably in gusty conditions.
"Forty metres — hold it there. Maintain altitude. It's stable, exelento mundo!" Captain Andersson exclaimed, praising both the drone and its pilot, Jaeger Aarrejoki.
Although the drone's data link failed mid-flight, prompting a controlled descent, Aarrejoki's departure from military service did not end on a bad note.
A promising future
In celebration of his achievements, coffee and pastries awaited in the university's break room.
"Markus gets 10 points and a gold star for all he's accomplished. The drone isn't quite finished, but we've learned from the setbacks — and proven that gravity still works," Andersson joked.
The damaged drone will be shelved for future refinement. Aarrejoki, meanwhile, will begin studies at Aalto University in the autumn and has no intention of abandoning his DIY pursuits.
"I'll definitely keep working on new projects — maybe more UAVs or other drones."
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