A NATO fighter jet shot down a drone over Lithuania after the aircraft crossed from Belarusian airspace, officials said, marking another tense incident along the alliance’s eastern flank.
What Happened
The drone entered Lithuanian airspace from Belarus and was intercepted near the village of Pratkūnai, close to a major pumped-storage power plant. It was the second unusual aerial incident in the area within days, following an unidentified object that flew toward Russia’s Kaliningrad region.
Regional Context
Lithuania and other Baltic states have increased air policing since Russia’s war against Ukraine began. Incidents involving drones and balloons near NATO borders have become more frequent, raising concerns about probing and hybrid tactics.
Alliance Response
NATO has treated the shoot-down as a defensive action to protect civilian areas and critical infrastructure. Officials emphasized that monitoring of the Belarus border remains elevated and that similar threats will be met with force if necessary.
Related Coverage
Drone abbattuto in Lituania, Crosetto: Dimostra cosa significa la Nato
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