Lithuanian PM: air defence is no longer optional, it is essential

Air defence can no longer be treated as a choice but must be recognised as a necessity, Lithuanian Prime Minister Inga Ruginienė stated on Friday during a joint press conference with Baltic leaders in Tallinn.

Speaking to reporters, Ruginienė emphasised that recent incidents in the region have demonstrated the vulnerability of Baltic airspace. “Air defence is not optional—it is essential. NATO must strengthen its efforts in this area,” she said, as reported by the Baltic News Service (BNS).

The prime minister called for increased investment in air and missile defence systems, including protection against drones and responses to hybrid threats such as the balloons launched from Belarus. She underscored that the transatlantic partnership remains “vital” for the Baltic states, describing them as “strong and committed NATO allies.”

Ruginienė also stressed the need for continued military, air defence, and financial support for Ukraine, alongside sustained pressure on Russia. “Europe must be fully involved in shaping any future peace agreements,” she added.

The meeting in Tallinn focused on regional infrastructure projects as well as security and defence issues. Earlier this year, several drones—believed to be Ukrainian systems that had strayed off course—were detected and exploded in Baltic airspace. Authorities warned that such incidents could recur as a consequence of Russia’s ongoing aggression.