Nato jets shoot down drone that flew into Lithuanian airspace
NATO fighter jets intercepted and shot down an unidentified drone that entered Lithuanian airspace from Belarus. This incident marks a significant escalation in regional security, with officials emphasizing the readiness of NATO forces to defend member territory.
Why it matters
The event underscores the heightened security tensions in Eastern Europe and the active role of NATO in patrolling borders near conflict zones.
Share Save Add as preferred on Google Harry Sekulich Getty Images Nato fighter pilots have shot down a drone that entered Lithuania's airspace overnight, the Lithuanian president said.
Authorities said the drone likely entered southern Lithuania, near the second-largest city of Kaunas, from neighbouring Belarus shortly after midnight on Tuesday.
Lithuanian President Gitanas Nausėda wrote in a statement on X: "A drone that just entered Lithuanian airspace was destroyed by NATO fighter jets."
The origins of the drone are yet to be determined, a spokesperson for the Lithuanian national crisis management centre said.
It is thought to be the first time that a Nato jet has shot down a drone in Lithuanian airspace.
Drone alerts sounded across the capital Vilnius and surrounding region earlier on Tuesday.
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4 other newsrooms covered this event. We read each version separately.
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