About us
Black Bird Group is an independent, non-governmental security analysis and intelligence organisation.
Through Finnish reservist training, a group of friends came together. They were driven by curiosity to understand how Russia user military force against it neighbors. Efforts started slowly and focused on Caucasus, Krim and emerging security threats.
On the 24th of February 2022, the unthinkable happened. Russia invaded Ukraine. In Finland, the small fellowship grew from a group of friends into a crowdsourcing network. The information space was quickly filled with lies and our mission became clear: to support democracy and provide the information that open and informed public debate requires.
After the Cold War most European countries closed Russia research institutions and reduced relevant training. The war in Ukraine made the gap obvious: a great deal was being said about the Russian military, and comparatively little of it was grounded in what could actually be observed. In 2026, the Black Bird Group think tank was founded to close part of that gap. A journey started in Finland would now travel across Europe and the Transatlantic sea.
Our work strengthens the security of Finland, Europe and NATO. We are part of Finland’s reservist community. We defend liberal democracy and the open debate it requires. We believe it is important that Russia continues to be studied and understood in Finland.
We boldly examine emerging phenomena and are willing to explore unexpected paths. We speak honestly about change, even when doing so is difficult.
Everything we publish is based on systematically collected sources and a rigorous, multi-stage quality review process. We trust one another. We professionally produce top-tier knowledge and analysis for the Western world.
Our work combines comprehensive open-source research with commercial satellite imagery and extensive local networks and partnerships in the field.
Our work is open-source and non-classified throughout. We do not have, and do not claim, access to classified material or to government intelligence systems. What we publish can therefore be read, shared and disputed by anyone — and we wish for the reader to take part in the open debate and help us all think deeper.
Black Bird Group works in cooperation with Finnish National Defence Training Association (MPK). Our personnel produce training, provides open-source material and participates in planning of future training programs in support of the Finnish reservist and national comprehensive security concept.