On Monday morning, a drone of an unknown type reportedly entered Lithuanian airspace from neighboring Belarus, sparking concern among authorities and residents alike.
Mysterious Drone Enters Lithuanian Airspace from Belarus
According to the National Crisis Management Center (NKVC), multiple reports from locals indicated the presence of an unmanned aircraft flying at an altitude of approximately 200 meters. The drone was last seen near the capital city, Vilnius.
The incident occurred just before 5 a.m., with several residents spotting the unidentified drone and posting about it on social media. The NKVC immediately responded to the reports by informing all national services, including the police, who have since activated all available forces to investigate the situation.
Authorities have urged residents not to approach any drone they might find on the ground and instead to report it immediately by calling the emergency number 112. Officials stress that the drone’s type and origin remain unconfirmed, and its presence in Lithuanian territory raises concerns about potential risks to national security and public safety.
Authorities are closely monitoring the situation and heavily relying on public reports to track the drone’s movement. They emphasize that residents should promptly report any additional sightings to emergency services.
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Previous Lithuanian Incident Raises Drone Security Concerns
This is not the first time Lithuania has faced concerns over unauthorized drone activity along its border. On July 10, authorities reported that an unmanned aircraft entered the country’s airspace. Officials initially suspected that a Russian “Shahed” drone—widely used in the war against Ukraine—had entered the country’s airspace.
However, investigators later confirmed that a different Russian-made drone called “Gerbera” had crossed the border. This drone closely resembles the “Shahed” in appearance and deliberately aims to confuse air defense systems. The July 10 event triggered significant alarm because of its potential military implications and increased the pressure on Lithuania’s air surveillance capabilities.
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Authorities have not confirmed whether the current drone sighting near Vilnius is connected to similar tactics. Authorities have not confirmed any links yet. However, the similarity in behavior—cross-border movement from Belarus and resemblance to military drones—has once again drawn attention to the increasing need for airspace monitoring in the region.
Local police have not released any footage or photos of the drone, and its specifications, such as size or propulsion system, remain unknown. The situation remains fluid, with officials treating it as a serious matter.
Public Advised to Stay Away and Stay Alert
In light of the incident, authorities strongly urge residents to remain cautious and avoid any drone debris they might encounter. Emergency services continue to monitor reports through the active 112 hotline. Officials warn that even approaching a downed drone poses danger, and they emphasize that only trained personnel should handle the situation.
The NKVC actively coordinates with all emergency services and defense units to document and respond to the drone’s activity. They have increased surveillance around Vilnius and nearby areas as a safety measure.
The government has not imposed any travel restrictions or issued broader public warnings apart from the immediate advisory. Schools, businesses, and public transport remain fully operational, but authorities are raising awareness, particularly in areas close to the border and around Vilnius.
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This incident, combined with past events, highlights the increasing challenges faced by countries like Lithuania, which share borders with nations involved in ongoing regional tensions. It also underscores the importance of public cooperation during such security events. Every sighting and report from residents helps authorities respond faster and more effectively.
While details are still being gathered, the authorities have committed to updating the public as new information becomes available. For now, the focus remains on identifying the drone, ensuring safety in the affected area, and maintaining open communication with the community.