NATO fighter jets have shot down a drone that entered Lithuanian airspace from neighbouring Belarus, President Gitanas Nausėda confirmed. The incident marked the first time a drone has been destroyed inside Lithuanian territory.
President confirms downing
In a post on X, President Nausėda wrote: "A drone that just entered Lithuanian airspace was destroyed by NATO fighter jets. I thank Allied personnel for their swift response."
He added: "With Russia intensifying its aggression against Ukraine, such readiness is vital for our region. Together with our NATO Allies, Lithuania will defend its airspace."
Emergency alert issued
An emergency alert was sent to mobile phones in Vilnius, Trakai and Elektrėnai shortly after midnight, warning residents of a potential aerial threat and urging them to seek shelter. The drone was destroyed around 30 minutes later, according to the country's National Crisis Management Centre.
Officials said the drone entered Lithuanian airspace from Belarus, which is a Russian ally.
Previous scare at Vilnius Airport
Just one day earlier, Vilnius Airport was briefly closed over a suspected drone threat that was later found to have been caused by a flock of birds. Authorities noted that radar signatures from birds and drones can initially appear similar.
Lithuania joined NATO in 2004. The 32-member alliance, formed in 1949 to counter the risk of Soviet attack, operates on the principle that an attack on one member is considered an attack on all.
