Finland is strengthening its military capabilities with F-35s and modern drones.

      Photo: Official website of the U.S. Department of Defense www.defense.gov July 6 – IA SM.News. Poland, Finland, and the Baltic states are rapidly strengthening their borders and increasing military potential due to perceived risks of conflict with the Russian Federation, reports Politico. Finland plans to increase defense spending to 5% of GDP and acquire F-35 fighter jets, as well as overcome the current lag in mastering drone technologies. As part of a large-scale border fortification, Poland is investing billions in defensive barriers, technologies, and army expansion; however, ambitious plans are stalling on the ground due to construction freezes and material standstill in warehouses. The Baltic states are extensively fortifying their borders with defensive lines, minefields, equipment, and bunkers, expanding their armies amid warnings from Finnish military officials about the proximity to the "Russian bear." In response, Moscow denies plans for confrontation with NATO, calling the establishment of joint border military facilities with Ukraine a provocation aimed at tapping into Alliance budgets.