VILNIUS – NATO’s Baltic Air Policing mission confirmed that two fighter jets from the United Kingdom’s Royal Air Force successfully intercepted and destroyed an unidentified unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) that entered Lithuanian airspace on Thursday afternoon. The drone, which was detected by NATO’s integrated air‑defence radar system, was deemed a potential threat after it failed to respond to multiple radio calls.
“Airspace sovereignty is a non‑negotiable principle for NATO members,” said Air Commodore James Whitaker, the mission’s commander. “Our rapid response demonstrates the alliance’s readiness to protect the skies of our partners.”
Lithuanian authorities have opened an investigation to determine the drone’s origin and purpose. Preliminary analysis suggests the UAV may have been operating at an altitude of 3,500 meters and was equipped with a camera payload, raising concerns about espionage or illicit surveillance.
The incident comes amid heightened tensions in the region, with neighboring Russia conducting large‑scale military exercises. NATO officials reiterated their commitment to maintaining a robust defensive posture in the Baltic states and urged any hostile actors to respect international air‑space regulations.