NATO fighter jets intercepted and destroyed a drone that violated Lithuania’s airspace on Tuesday morning. Lithuania’s president confirmed the incident. The unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) entered from Belarus, a close ally of Russia.
The drone traveled over Lentvaris, near Vilnius, before NATO aircraft took it down near Kaunas. Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda emphasized the importance of regional defense in light of increased Russian hostility towards Ukraine. He stated, “Together with our NATO Allies, Lithuania will defend its airspace,” in a post on X.
Concerns have grown among NATO countries on the eastern flank about the potential for the Ukraine conflict to spread into alliance territories. Incidents of Russian drones entering NATO airspace have occurred before, including a recent case involving a suspected Russian Shahed-type drone in Romanian airspace.
The Russian defense ministry has been contacted for their response. This story is developing, with more information forthcoming.
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