Lithuanian, Latvian, and Estonian presidents discuss airspace security amid rising drone threats

Lithuanian President Gitanas Nausėda held talks with Latvian President Edgars Rinkēvičs and Estonian President Alar Karis on Thursday to address growing security concerns in the Baltic airspace, the Lithuanian presidency announced.

The leaders discussed a recent surge in drone incidents and airspace violations in NATO’s eastern flank, as well as Russia’s ongoing disinformation campaigns targeting the Baltic states. Nausėda initiated the call, emphasizing the need to strengthen NATO’s air defense and anti-drone capabilities in the region.

“We see a clear attempt to escalate tensions in our region while simultaneously conducting a coordinated disinformation campaign against the Baltic states,” Nausėda said in a statement. “We must remain united, bolster our air defenses and anti-drone systems, and secure even greater NATO attention to the security of the eastern flank.”

The presidents condemned Russia’s “deliberate spread of false information,” aimed at diverting international attention from its war in Ukraine. They reiterated that the Baltic states, as responsible NATO members, have never permitted their airspace or territory to be used for drone attacks on Russian targets.

The leaders also stressed that Russia and Belarus must be held accountable for drones violating Baltic airspace and endangering civilian safety. They called for accelerated implementation of EU initiatives like the Eastern Flank Shield and stronger protection for critical infrastructure.

The discussion followed a recent incident in Estonia, where a NATO Baltic Air Policing mission—conducted by a Romanian F-16 fighter jet—successfully downed a drone that had entered Estonian airspace. The presidents praised the rapid response of NATO allies and underscored the necessity of maintaining a permanent fighter jet presence in the Baltics as a key deterrent.

In a joint statement after the call, the three leaders condemned airspace violations and Russian disinformation, reaffirming the importance of NATO’s collective defense and transatlantic unity. They urged further reinforcement of allied air defense and anti-drone capabilities in the region, including a transition from air policing to full-scale air defense missions.

The talks come amid a wave of drone incidents reported in Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia, and Finland in recent weeks. On Wednesday, Lithuania issued an air raid alert, while Latvia has frequently warned residents of potential drone threats.