NATO Jets Shoot Down Drone in Lithuanian Airspace

NATO fighter jets shot down a drone in southern Lithuania shortly after midnight on September 15, marking the first time an unmanned aerial vehicle has been intercepted and destroyed in the country. The drone likely entered from Belarus and flew for approximately 30 minutes over populated areas, including Lentvaris, before being destroyed near Pratkūnai village in the Kaišiadorys district. Lithuanian Air Force Commander Antanas Matutis confirmed the recovery of wreckage and stated the drone was likely carrying explosives.

This incident followed a security alert on September 13, when a yellow air alert was issued for Vilnius, Trakai, and Elektrėnai. That event led to the temporary closure of Vilnius International Airport and the scrambling of an Italian Air Force Eurofighter Typhoon, which eventually identified the radar target as a flock of birds. The National Crisis Management Centre of Lithuania noted that bird signatures can appear similar to drones on initial radar readings.

NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte characterized Russian actions as a sign of desperation and pledged increased support for Kyiv. The shoot-down occurred amid heightened tensions, following claims by Lithuanian Defence Minister Robertas Kaunas that Russia was planning provocations using captured Ukrainian drones. Former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev previously threatened that Lithuania could be wiped off the map, while Belarusian opposition leader Svetlana Tikhanovskaya condemned the use of Belarusian territory to threaten Europe.