Lithuania Seeks NATO Support to Strengthen Air Defenses

Lithuania has requested assistance from NATO to enhance its air defenses following the incursion of a drone that entered the country from Belarus. The drone, which was reported to be carrying 2 kilograms of explosives, crashed in a military training area on July 28, 2023. Lithuanian Defense Minister Dovilė Šakalienė and Foreign Minister Kęstutis Budrys have formally reached out to NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte, advocating for the deployment of additional air defense capabilities on Lithuanian territory.

Šakalienė emphasized the need for enhanced defenses, stating that incidents like this are likely to continue as long as Russia’s military actions against Ukraine persist. “We must take additional measures,” she remarked during a press briefing on Tuesday. The Lithuanian military took nearly a week to locate the drone after it crossed the border, indicating potential gaps in current surveillance measures.

According to preliminary investigations, authorities believe that the drone was initially aimed at Kyiv but became disoriented and inadvertently entered Lithuanian airspace. While there is currently “no reason to believe that the drone was deliberately launched into Lithuanian territory,” Šakalienė insisted on a robust response to such threats. The investigation into the drone’s origin and trajectory is still ongoing.

Rising Air Threats Along NATO’s Eastern Border

The incident has heightened concerns regarding air security along NATO’s eastern flank, particularly as military operations in Ukraine escalate. Similar episodes have been reported in neighboring countries, including Poland, Romania, and Latvia. Budrys stated that this situation represents a collective concern for all NATO member states, calling for united efforts to confront “new types of threats.”

“This is not just Lithuanian airspace, not just Lithuania’s security — it is NATO airspace, NATO security, and also EU security,” Budrys affirmed. The recent drone incursion marks the second of its kind in Lithuania within a month; another Russian drone, identified as a Gerbera type, crashed approximately one kilometer inside Lithuanian territory on July 10, 2023.

The escalating frequency of such incidents underscores the necessity for enhanced air defense systems and collaborative security measures among NATO allies. As Lithuania seeks to bolster its defensive capabilities, the call for assistance reflects broader regional tensions and the ongoing implications of the conflict in Ukraine.