Lithuania Seeks Stronger Air Defenses After NATO Jets Down Drone
Lithuania's PM says air defense is increasingly vital after NATO jets neutralized a drone over the country, as officials investigate whether it was a diversion or provocation.
Lithuanian Prime Minister Mindaugas Sinkevičius has underscored the growing importance of air defense following the downing of a drone over Lithuanian territory by NATO jets. In remarks delivered on Tuesday, he thanked the Italian air defense mission for neutralizing the unmanned aerial vehicle that entered the country's airspace.
Speaking after returning from a visit to Ukraine, where he said he witnessed ongoing military operations and the constant threat from the air, Sinkevičius noted that Ukraine's ability to defend itself and advance technologically offers lessons for Lithuania. "Air defense is becoming an increasingly important issue in Lithuania as well, not only in Ukraine," he said, adding that progress must be made together with the armed forces and through pooled efforts to protect the nation's skies.
Lithuanian military police cordoned off the site of the drone's impact in Pratkūnai, where debris was visible. Foreign Minister Kęstutis Budrys said he had briefed allies and partners on the situation that morning and called for discussions within both the European Union and NATO. "We all still have a lot of homework to do," he remarked.
Laurynas Kasčiūnas, deputy chair of the National Security and Defense Committee, said it remains unclear whether the drone was diverted and lost its way, as has frequently occurred in recent history, or whether it was a deliberate provocation. No scenario has been ruled out, he said, emphasizing that investigators need to recover the drone's "brain" and examine it. That process is proceeding quickly, he added, with answers expected unless the findings are classified.