Lithuania detects drone in restricted airspace, triggers NATO scramble

Lithuania’s air defence systems detected an unauthorised drone flying in zones where air danger alerts were declared on Wednesday, prompting a rapid NATO air policing response and temporary closure of Vilnius Airport, Defence Minister Robertas Kaunas confirmed to public broadcaster LRT.

Speaking on LRT Television, Kaunas stated that while radar data and logic suggest the object was a drone, its exact nature cannot be confirmed until recovery. “All indicators point to it being a drone,” he said, adding that the same period saw multiple similar detections in Latvia and an Estonian scramble of NATO fighters from Lithuania to investigate a potential drone.

The minister declined to specify the drone’s flight path, deferring to the Lithuanian military for detailed trajectory data once the full investigation is complete. He emphasised, however, that the object transited “all zones where air danger was declared,” including Ignalina, Utena, Zarasai, Švenčionys, Vilnius, and Alytus districts. Vilnius region faced the highest-level “red” alert, instructing residents to seek shelter.

Kaunas praised the response as a demonstration of Lithuania’s detection capabilities and coordination with NATO. “NATO air policing reacted instantly, as did our armed forces. Alerts to the public and air danger declarations were issued without delay,” he said. Aurimas Navys, a reserve officer in special operations, called the public warning system a “major step forward” in crisis communication.

Search operations are underway in the districts of Druckūnai, Marcinava, Babriškės, and Gudžiai near Varėna, with military units, police, the counterterrorism squad Aras, and emergency services (112) combing the area. Authorities urge residents who encounter suspected debris to avoid contact, secure the area, and immediately report findings to 112—without sharing details on social media. Potential remnants may pose hazards.

The initial alert disrupted some public institutions, with reports of locked shelters and inadequate responses from certain schools. The air danger warning was later lifted after contact with the object was lost.