Latvia says Russian drone likely crossed its airspace

A Russian Geran-type drone likely crossed Latvian airspace on Sunday, the National Armed Forces said, according to LSM. A second drone was detected overnight into Tuesday, but its origin has not been confirmed.

The first drone was detected in the Krāslava and Ludza municipalities before leaving Latvian airspace across the border with Russia. The military concluded it was likely Russian after analysing data from its sensors and an interceptor drone, and consulting Ukrainian partners. It said it could not determine whether the aircraft carried explosives.

An interceptor drone was deployed during the incident. Its self-destruction caused the explosion heard by residents, the military said.

The drone detected overnight into November 3 appeared, in an initial visual assessment, similar to drones used by Ukraine’s armed forces. Its type and origin remain unconfirmed. The military said it may have crashed in Balvi municipality, where the search is continuing. NATO Baltic Air Policing fighters were also activated during the incident.

Drone incursions into or near Latvian airspace have occurred during Russia’s war against Ukraine. On March 25, a drone linked to a Ukrainian operation against Russia fell in Krāslava municipality. In May, residents in Latgale received alerts nine times; most incidents involved no drones being detected or drones quickly leaving Latvian airspace. On May 7, two drones hit an empty oil depot in Rēzekne, and another fell and exploded in Lake Drīdzis. In June, French allied fighters shot down a drone in Latvian airspace for the first time. NATO Baltic Air Policing fighters shot down another drone in Balvi municipality on August 14.