Italian Eurofighter jets operating under NATO command were scrambled after a suspected drone entered Lithuanian airspace, with debris later damaging a civilian car near the country's border with Latvia. The incident triggered security concerns in the Baltic state, which borders Russia and Belarus, amid heightened tensions over Russia's war in Ukraine.
Investigation and Response
Two Italian Eurofighter jets were sent to investigate the flying object on Sunday, October 18, after it was detected over Lithuania. However, poor weather prevented the pilots from visually identifying it, according to reports. The object apparently exploded, scattering debris that damaged a car. No injuries were reported.
The incident raised fresh questions about the risks posed by drones straying beyond their intended routes during the conflict in neighbouring Ukraine. Residents in parts of northern and central Lithuania were ordered to take shelter for around an hour after the object was detected on Sunday morning.
Air Alerts and Closures
A red air alert was issued in the regions of Panevėžys and Šiauliai, while Kaunas airport was temporarily closed during the incident. Lithuania's President Gitanas Nausėda warned that the war was creating a growing danger for countries on NATO's eastern flank.
He said: “Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine is spilling over onto the Eastern flank of NATO and EU.” Neighbouring Latvia also briefly issued a yellow air warning in some areas close to the Lithuanian border, citing a possible threat.
NATO Confirmation and Drone Origin
NATO confirmed that the two Italian Eurofighter jets were operating under its command and said an investigation was continuing. The alliance said it remained in close contact with Lithuanian authorities and was ready to respond to any potential threat.
The drone is now believed to have been Ukrainian and to have been carrying explosives, according to an update from Lithuania's prime minister on Monday. Mindaugas Sinkevicius said information gathered so far suggested the drone had entered Lithuania from Poland and was Ukrainian in origin.
He said the wreckage and communication from Ukraine supported that assessment. Ukrainian officials had informed Lithuania that contact had been lost with one of their drones during an attack. Mr Sinkevičius said there was no doubt the drone had been carrying explosives. Authorities are continuing to establish the circumstances of the incident.
Ukraine's Response and Next Steps
Ukraine's Foreign Ministry had already expressed regret over the possible diversion of its drones into Lithuanian airspace. Spokesman Heorhii Tykhyi said the incident may have resulted from Russian electronic warfare diverting drones from their intended route during an operation against military targets in Russia. He said Ukraine apologised for any disruption, risks or concern caused and would share relevant information with Lithuania to establish what happened.
The Polish military said its radar systems had not confirmed that the object crossed the border from Poland, although officials were in contact with their Lithuanian counterparts. Lithuania's authorities are also reviewing their air-alert procedures following the incursion, with officials saying the system will be discussed by the country's State Defence Council.
The incident comes amid repeated concerns about drones straying into NATO airspace during Russia's war against Ukraine. Kyiv has previously said Russian signal jamming has caused Ukrainian drones to veer off course.
