Lithuania: NATO fighter jets have shot down a drone that entered Lithuanian airspace overnight, prompting emergency alerts and a rapid military response, Lithuanian President Gitanas Nausėda said.
Lithuanian authorities said the drone likely entered the country’s airspace from neighbouring Belarus, with the incident reported near Kaunas, Lithuania’s second-largest city. The origin of the drone has not yet been established.
In a statement on X, President Nausėda confirmed that the drone was destroyed by NATO fighter aircraft. He said the incident highlighted the importance of maintaining strong air-defence readiness as Russia continues its aggression against Ukraine.
Lithuania’s armed forces, along with Italian pilots serving under NATO’s Air Policing Mission, responded to the incursion. The Ministry of Defence described the response as swift and responsible.
A drone that just entered Lithuanian airspace was destroyed by NATO fighter jets. I thank Allied personnel for their swift response.
With Russia intensifying its aggression against Ukraine, such readiness is vital for our region. Together with our NATO Allies, Lithuania will…
— Gitanas Nausėda (@GitanasNauseda) September 14, 2026
Drone alerts issued across Vilnius
Authorities issued emergency alerts to residents in Vilnius and surrounding areas shortly after midnight local time, warning of a possible drone incursion. People were instructed to seek a safe location and remain there until an official all-clear was issued.
The Lithuanian National Crisis Management Centre said investigations were under way to determine the drone’s origin and circumstances surrounding its entry into Lithuanian airspace.
The latest incident comes after another drone was reported in Lithuania on September 13. Authorities said that object had likely entered from Belarus and travelled across Lithuania before eventually entering Russian airspace. That incident did not trigger an air-threat warning.
Growing drone incursions across Europe
Drone incursions have become increasingly frequent in parts of Europe since Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine. NATO aircraft have been scrambled several times this year after drones crossed into Baltic airspace.
Poland also reported overnight aviation operations in response to Russian jet-powered unmanned aerial vehicles carrying out strikes against targets in Ukraine. Polish authorities said the measures were precautionary and aimed at protecting the country’s airspace, particularly areas close to threatened regions.
Lithuania shares a significant border with Belarus, a close ally of Russia. The country’s strategic location has made airspace security a growing concern amid the ongoing war in Ukraine. Lithuania, Estonia and Latvia joined NATO in 2004 and are covered by the alliance’s collective-defence commitment under Article 5, which considers an armed attack against one member an attack against all.
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