FINLAND: The 1984 Missile Incident at Lake Inari

In the frigid winter of 1984, Finland's serene northern landscape was jolted by an unexpected intrusion—a Soviet surface-to-air missile careening off course and crashing near Lake Inari. This surreal event not only shattered the tranquility of the Finnish wilderness but also reignited fears of Cold War tensions escalating beyond control. 

Let's delve into the harrowing events of that December day and the lasting impact they left on Finland and its relations with its unpredictable eastern neighbor.

February 2, 1985 when the missile was brought to the surface. 

A SOVIET INTRUDER IN LAPLAND 

In the midst of global nuclear tensions and political brinkmanship, the Soviet Union regularly conducted military tests to assert its dominance. However, on December 28, 1984, a routine test launch from the Barents Sea took a disastrous turn.

The Soviet surface-to-air missile, suspected to be either an SS-N-3 or SS-N-12 but unconfirmed by the Soviets, veered wildly off its intended path. Instead of hitting its designated target, it hurtled towards Finland's Lapland region. The sudden appearance of a Soviet missile in Finnish airspace sent shockwaves through the local population. Eyewitnesses reported an explosion, a luminous phenomenon, and a tearing sound heard in the sky. Border Guards were promptly alerted, but refrained from immediate comment on this highly sensitive issue. What puzzled those present was the delay in the Border Guards' interest in investigating the incident, despite numerous reports.

The missile, intended as a training target, had deviated from its planned course. Passing through Norwegian airspace, it ultimately plunged into the icy waters of Lake Inari. The incident garnered significant media attention, drawing international journalists to the sparsely populated region. It also caught the eye of concerned state leaders. Though the remote location spared densely populated areas, the incident sparked anxiety regarding potential environmental and security repercussions. Finnish authorities promptly mobilized to assess the situation, while citizens grappled with the unsettling reality of a Soviet missile breaching their territory.

PUZZLEMENT OVER THE MISSILE IN FINLAND

On 2nd February 1985, amidst bone-chilling temperatures of -40°C, the wreckage of the missile was retrieved from Lake Inari. Finnish officials found themselves perplexed by the incident, while border guards remained notably tight-lipped. Although Finnish air surveillance had detected activity in the airspace, the matter remained largely undisclosed until neighboring Norway reported the breach of its borders by a missile that ended up in Lake Inari.

This revelation sparked widespread international interest, prompting an extensive search effort. The news was so sensational that American journalists, ill-prepared for the Arctic cold, rushed to Ivalo in their summer attire to cover the event. Despite their initial efforts, the journalists returned empty-handed when no immediate discoveries were made.

Initially, locals harbored concerns about the missile's unexpected appearance. However, upon learning that it was a guided missile devoid of explosives, their anxieties abated. In February, the missile was located at the mouth of Suolisvuono and hoisted from the lake's depths via helicopter. Many locals gathered to witness the retrieval, including Lapland's iconic figure, Santa Claus.

At the time, President Mauno Koivisto and Minister of Foreign Affairs Paavo Väyrynen were initially uninformed about the incident, relying instead on media reports for updates.

The location of the missile hit

THE SOVIETS APOLOGISE FOR THE INCIDENT

The reactions from politicians were mixed. The Norwegian government wanted to lodge a complaint about the incident, considering it a very serious matter. The Norwegian Prime Minister at the time, Kåre Willoch, emphasized that it was an accident and not a provocation. Therefore, he assured that the relations between Norway and the Soviet Union would not deteriorate, especially crucial as Norway was a NATO member. The defensive alliance itself expressed concern over the airspace violation but refrained from lodging objections, and America remained relatively inactive in the matter.

A week later, on January 4th, 1985, the Soviet Union admitted that their surface-to-air missile had indeed violated both Finnish and Norwegian airspace. The Soviet Union's ambassadors in both countries issued apologies for the incident to the respective Foreign Ministers. Vladimir Sobolev, the Soviet Union's ambassador to Finland, personally visited Paavo Väyrynen to present his apologies. 

These apologies were significant as they demonstrated the Soviet Union's willingness to apologize to a NATO member (being only Norway at the time), despite being part of the opposing military alliance. At the time, the Soviet Union was a key member of the Warsaw Pact, strategically positioning the Barents Sea and Kola Peninsula as one of the most important regions for Russia.

Foreign reporters criticized Finland for its slow response to the incident, noting that information came from Helsinki rather than directly from Lake Inari, where journalists and representatives were stationed.

A LESSON IN CAUTION AND RESILIENCE 

Decades may have passed since the missile's descent into Finnish territory, but its legacy endures as a cautionary tale. This incident resonates with current events unfolding in Ukraine. The full-scale, illegal Russian invasion of Ukraine has led to drones and missiles frequently crossing into Poland and Romania, both full members of NATO. In November 2022, a Russian missile landed in Przewodów, a Polish village near the border with Ukraine, tragically claiming the lives of two Polish nationals.

These incidents typically prompt demands for the Russian ambassador to provide an explanation to the affected country. While in the past, Russia has often responded with denials of such incidents, recently even those denials have been absent. Russia has been dismissive of any requests for explanations.

The relatively mild response from NATO stems from the fear that the conflict in Ukraine could spill over into NATO member states, potentially escalating the fighting. One cannot help but speculate about the implications if the 1984 missile incident were to occur in 2024, particularly for new NATO member Finland.

CONCLUSION

The 1984 missile incident in Inari, Finland, stands as a haunting reminder of the perils intertwined with Cold War tensions and the ongoing pursuit of peace. As we contemplate this pivotal moment in history, it is imperative that we grasp its significance and glean valuable lessons. Amidst the resurgence of tensions in what some have dubbed the "second Cold War," it is paramount to assess whether the errors of the past have been heeded. 

What would be the implications of a similar incursion into NATO airspace in today's geopolitical landscape? Such a scenario prompts us to scrutinize the efficacy of diplomatic channels and the resilience of international alliances. It underscores the imperative of maintaining open dialogue and fostering mutual understanding.

References

• Rajamedia: Kun Lapista tuli kylmän sodan keskipiste - Neuvostoliiton ohjus osui Inarijärveen
• YLE: Hyytävä löytö
• The Barents Observer: The story about how a Soviet missile strayed into Lake Inari, Finland, in 1984, causing a media circus
• Le Monde: Russian-made missile kills two people in Poland, Warsaw says
• Helsingin Sanomat: Postimiehen löytö mullisti hetkeksi koko elämän