Lithuanian Defence Minister Urges Baltic States to Prepare for Increased Drone Threats
Baltics must adapt to drone incursions because more will come, Lithuanian defence minister warns

Image: Euronews
Following a drone incursion in Vilnius, Lithuania's Defence Minister Robertas Kaunas warns that the Baltic states must adapt to a new reality of potential drone threats. The incident, which prompted immediate shelter alerts and NATO intervention, highlights the need for enhanced airspace defense in response to increasing drone activity linked to regional tensions.
- 01The drone incursion in Vilnius prompted shelter alerts for citizens and the activation of NATO air police missions.
- 02Robertas Kaunas emphasized the high probability of repeated drone incursions in the Baltic region.
- 03Lithuania's National Crisis Management Center indicated that the drone was likely a combat drone or a decoy.
- 04NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte praised the alliance's calm and decisive response to the drone incidents.
- 05Lithuania is investing in air defense capabilities, including new radar systems, to bolster its security.
Advertisement
In-Article Ad
Lithuania's capital, Vilnius, experienced a significant disruption due to a drone incursion, leading Defence Minister Robertas Kaunas to declare that the Baltic states must prepare for more such incidents. The alert, which occurred on Wednesday morning, required citizens to seek shelter as officials investigated the drone's origin, suspected to be linked to Russian GPS jamming of Ukrainian drones. Kaunas stated, "This is the new reality of what the Baltic states face," emphasizing the high likelihood of similar scenarios in the future. NATO's air police mission was activated, with Portuguese fighter jets intercepting the drone. The incident marked the first major alert in a European Union and NATO capital since Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. Kaunas acknowledged the need to enhance airspace defense, stating that Lithuania is investing significantly in new radar systems. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen assured that the EU would respond to these incursions with unity and strength, reinforcing the notion that the security of the Baltic states is integral to European security.
Advertisement
In-Article Ad
The drone incursion has raised concerns about airspace security in Lithuania and the Baltic region, prompting the government to enhance defense measures.
Advertisement
In-Article Ad
Reader Poll
How should the Baltic states respond to increasing drone threats?
Connecting to poll...
More about NATO
Read the original article
Visit the source for the complete story.







