NATO fighter jets were scrambled on Sunday after an unidentified flying object, believed to be a drone, entered Lithuanian airspace close to the border with Latvia. The Latvian armed forces reported that the jets did not shoot down the suspected unmanned aerial vehicle, and that it may have "detonated on its own."
The incident triggered multiple air alerts and occurred in the Biržai district of northern Lithuania, according to Lithuanian Defence Minister Robertas Kaunas. He said on social media that fighter jets on a NATO air defence mission were tracking the object, but "due to difficult weather conditions, the fighter jet pilots are currently unable to visually identify the object."
The origin of the suspected drone remains unclear. Lithuanian military personnel have been dispatched to the location where the radio signal was lost to conduct a ground inspection. Investigations are ongoing.
Growing pattern along NATO's eastern flank
This episode is the latest in a series of drone incursions and incidents along NATO's eastern flank, many of which are believed to be spillover from Russia's war in Ukraine. The Baltic states have repeatedly reported violations of their airspace by Russian-operated or Russian-backed drones, often linked to the conflict in Ukraine.
Earlier this month, Romanian authorities announced that Romanian F-16 fighter jets had shot down two drones over the Black Sea. The Romanian Defence Ministry said the aircraft were scrambled after radar systems detected multiple aerial targets, which were later identified as "jet-powered attack drones from the Geran family." Defence Minister Radu Miruta said the first drone entered Romanian airspace at around 17:59 and was shot down "within two minutes," 25 km south-east of the town of Sulina.
The recent incidents have heightened concerns among NATO members about the safety of their airspace and the potential for escalation. The alliance has increased its air policing missions in the region, with fighter jets from various member states patrolling the skies over the Baltic states and the Black Sea.
While the exact nature of Sunday's incident is still under investigation, it underscores the persistent challenge posed by unmanned aerial vehicles in the region. The use of drones in the conflict in Ukraine has become widespread, and their straying into neighbouring countries has become a recurring issue.
In a related development, Romania is investigating a suspected drone strike on a tanker in its Black Sea waters, further illustrating the risks to civilian and military assets in the area.
The Lithuanian military has not yet released details about the type of drone or its possible origin. However, the incident has prompted calls for enhanced surveillance and response capabilities along NATO's eastern border.
As the alliance continues to bolster its defences, the recent events serve as a reminder of the volatile security environment in Eastern Europe. The response to such incursions will likely remain a key focus for NATO and its member states in the coming months.
