NATO fighter jets destroy drone after it enters Lithuanian airspace
NATO fighter jets destroyed a drone after it entered Lithuanian airspace, according to President Gitanas Nausėda.
The drone was detected shortly after midnight Monday, triggering air-danger alerts in and around the capital, Vilnius, as well as nearby districts. Lithuania’s public broadcaster, LRT, reported that authorities activated NATO fighter jets after the object was spotted near the Trakai area, west of Vilnius.
About 30 minutes later, the drone was destroyed in the air over a rural area near the village of Pratkūnai in Kaišiadorys district, between Vilnius and Kaunas, according to LRT. Preliminary information indicated that the drone entered Lithuania from Belarus and was traveling west.
“A drone that just entered Lithuanian airspace was destroyed by NATO fighter jets,” President Nausėda said in a statement. “I thank Allied personnel for their swift response.”
Military police, police officers and other authorities were sent to search for debris and determine what type of drone it was, its capabilities and its intended target. There were no immediate reports of casualties or damage.
“With Russia intensifying its aggression against Ukraine, such readiness is vital for our region,” President Nausėda added. “Together with our NATO Allies, Lithuania will defend its airspace.”
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Ella Rae Greene, Editor In Chief
