NATO fighter jets have downed a drone over Lithuania with the country’s leader stating the country will ‘defend its airspace’.
Lithuania’s president Gitanas Nausėda wrote on X: “A drone that just entered Lithuanian airspace was destroyed by NATO fighter jets. I thank Allied personnel for their swift response.
“With Russia intensifying its aggression against Ukraine, such readiness is vital for our region. Together with our NATO Allies, Lithuania will defend its airspace.”
Lithuania officially joined the NATO in 2004.
NATO, a 32-member alliance, was formed in 1949 to counter the risk of Soviet attack. It now focusses protecting ally counties by promising that an attack on one member is considered an attack on all.
Officials said the drone entered the Lithuania’s airspace from neighbouring Belarus, reports LBC News – Belarus is a Russian ally.
An emergency alert was sent to mobile phones in Vilnius, Trakai and Elektrėnai shortly after midnight and residents were warned of a potential aerial threat. They were also urged to seek shelter.
The drone was destroyed around 30 minutes later, the country’s National Crisis Management Centre said.
This is first time a drone has been shot down inside Lithuanian territory.
Just one day earlier, Vilnius Airport was briefly shut over a suspected drone threat that was later found to have been caused by a flock of birds.
Radar signatures from birds and drones can initially appear similar, authorities said.
