NATO fighter jets scramble to intercept drone over Lithuania as emergency alert issued
An emergency alert was sent to mobile phones shortly after midnight as residents were warned of a potential aerial threat and urged to seek shelter
NATO fighter jets destroyed the drone(Image: LPhot Helayna Birkett/Royal Navy / SWNS)
NATO fighter jets have intercepted a drone over Lithuania.
Lithuanian president Gitanas Nausda posted on X: “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 defend its airspace.”
Officials confirmed the drone had crossed into Lithuania’s airspace from neighbouring Belarus, according to reports by LBC News.
Lithuania officially joined the NATO in 2004.
NATO, a 32-member alliance, was formed in 1949 to counter the risk of Soviet attack. It now focusses protecting ally counties by promising that an attack on one member is considered an attack on all.
Russian President Vladimir Putin(Image: Getty)
An emergency alert was dispatched to mobile phones in Vilnius, Trakai and Elektrnai shortly after midnight.
Residents were warned of a potential aerial threat and urged to seek shelter.
The country’s National Crisis Management Centre confirmed the drone was destroyed around 30 minutes later.
This marks the first time a drone has been shot down inside Lithuanian territory.
Just one day earlier, Vilnius Airport was briefly shut over a suspected drone threat that was later found to have been caused by a flock of birds.
Radar signatures from birds and drones can initially appear similar, authorities said.
