Drone flew through all zones where air danger was declared, says Lithuanian defence minister

A drone suspected of entering Lithuanian airspace on Wednesday morning flew through all regions where air danger alerts were issued, Defence Minister Robertas Kaunas told national broadcaster LRT.

Lithuania’s military reported a possible drone sighting near the country’s border early Wednesday, triggering a NATO air policing response and temporary closure of Vilnius Airport airspace. Air danger warnings were later lifted across the country.

Kaunas confirmed radar data indicated the object was likely a drone, though its recovery would be needed for definitive identification. “Logic suggests it should be a drone, and radar data identifies it as such,” he said.

The minister noted that while one drone may have entered Lithuanian territory, Latvia reported multiple similar objects at the same time. Estonia also scrambled NATO fighters from Lithuania to investigate a potential drone sighting.

When asked about the drone’s flight path, Kaunas deferred to the military for detailed trajectory information but stated it had passed through “all zones where air danger was declared.”

Search operations are underway in the districts of Druckūnai, Marcinava, Babriškės, and Gudžiai, with local residents interviewed and areas inspected. Authorities urge the public to avoid any suspected drone debris, which may be hazardous, and to immediately report findings to emergency services at 112.

Prime Minister Inga Ruginienė later announced that bomb shelters must remain accessible 24/7 following reports that some were locked during the alert. “We apologise to residents,” she said, adding that future warnings may be issued more frequently, even for potential threats.

Lithuania has previously dealt with drone incidents, including the discovery of a suspected Ukrainian drone carrying explosives in Utena district in May. The explosives were neutralised at the crash site.