Lithuania has asked NATO to help strengthen its air defenses after two drones entered its territory from Belarus last month. The country said that defending its skies should not be its responsibility alone, especially as it lies on the eastern edge of the NATO alliance. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed on Tuesday that a formal request had been sent to NATO leadership.
Drones from Belarus Spark Alarm in Lithuania
In July, two separate drone incidents caused serious concern. The first drone entered Lithuanian airspace on July 10, triggering emergency responses. A second drone crossed into the country on July 28 and crashed inside a military training zone. It was found to be carrying explosives. These events led Lithuania to raise alarm and seek additional security support.
Lithuania shares borders with both Russia and Belarus. Given recent tensions in the region, these drone entries have increased fears about possible security threats. Lithuania has described the incidents as a serious concern not just for its own security but also for NATO as a whole.
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Officials say that the drones are believed to be connected to military operations between Russia and Ukraine. One of the drones may have been disoriented by Ukrainian air defense systems, accidentally flying into Lithuanian territory.
Lithuania detects explosive-laden drone in training zone
The drone that crashed on July 28 was found inside a restricted military area. It was carrying about 2 kilograms of explosives. Military experts identified the drone as a “Gerbera” model — a wooden version of the Iranian-made Shahed kamikaze drone. These types of drones are reportedly used by the Russian military.
The crash site was located nearly 100 kilometers from the Belarusian border. The drone did not explode but still raised serious safety concerns.
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Earlier in the month, another drone of the same model entered Lithuania from Belarus. At the time, local authorities treated the incident with high caution. Emergency protocols were activated, and public officials were temporarily taken to bomb shelters as a precaution.
Even though the first drone turned out to be non-dangerous, its entry into Lithuanian airspace was enough to trigger a national alert. Authorities say such events show how vulnerable the country is to airborne threats and highlight the need for improved protection systems.
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In response to Lithuania’s letter, NATO confirmed that it is watching the situation carefully. The military alliance said its top commander in Europe has the authority to take any steps needed to respond to such incidents. NATO also noted that member countries are currently investing in better technologies to detect and stop drones.
Lithuania believes that the recent drone activities show how exposed its skies are. By formally reaching out to NATO, the country is asking for stronger support from allies. The letter was addressed to NATO’s new General Secretary and highlighted the need to defend every part of NATO’s territory, including Lithuania.
Lithuania said that protecting its airspace is not just a national matter but a shared responsibility within NATO. The country stressed that these drones pose a risk not just to its own people, but to the broader security of the region.
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Both NATO and the European Union count Lithuania as a member, making the country an important player on Europe’s eastern edge. Any threat to its security can affect the entire alliance. NATO has not announced specific actions in response but acknowledged the seriousness of the situation.
For now, Lithuania continues to inspect its defenses and prepare for any future risks. The country hopes that by involving NATO, it can better protect its skies and maintain safety for its citizens.