News

On the night of 14-15 September, an unmanned aerial vehicle that violated Lithuanian airspace was promptly identified and neutralized by the Italian Air Force Eurofighter jets, which are conducting the NATO air defense mission from Zokniai.

The Lithuanian Armed Forces and relevant authorities immediately located the drone’s wreckage and successfully neutralized the explosive device it was carrying. Preliminary data indicates that the unmanned aerial vehicle entered Lithuanian territory from Belarus. In response to this gross violation of Lithuania’s sovereignty and airspace, the Lithuanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a strong note of protest to Belarus.

Lithuanian law enforcement agencies are currently carrying out a pre-trial investigation. This investigation will determine all the circumstances of the incident, the origin and ownership of the unmanned aircraft, and the possible objectives of this violation.

We have already informed our NATO allies and European Union partners about the incident. In the near future, we will continue consultations on a joint assessment of the situation and additional measures that would strengthen our region’s security, resilience, and ability to respond effectively to similar threats in the future.

Lithuania sincerely thanks its Italian allies for conducting the operation in a professional, swift, and decisive manner. This incident has once again confirmed the effectiveness of NATO’s collective defense principles and the importance of the allies’ presence in our region. The contribution of Italian troops and the presence of all Alliance forces on the eastern flank significantly contribute to ensuring the security of Lithuania and the entire Euro-Atlantic area.

It is clear that as Russia continues its war of aggression against Ukraine, the security situation in our region remains tense, and the risk of various provocations, incidents, and accidental or deliberate violations is increasing. Therefore, we must continue to consistently strengthen our air defense capabilities and invest in early warning systems, advanced surveillance technologies, and measures that enable us to effectively detect, track, and neutralize all air threats.

This incident is yet another clear reminder that security cannot be taken for granted. It requires constant vigilance, decisive investment, and close coordination among allies. NATO remains united, strong, and ready to defend every centimeter of the Alliance’s territory. Lithuania will continue to actively contribute to joint efforts to strengthen regional security, deterrence, and resilience, ensuring the safety of its citizens and the entire Alliance.