An unidentified drone that had entered Latvian airspace has been neutralised by fighter jets involved in NATO’s Baltic Air Policing mission, raising concerns about air security in alliance countries close to Russia and the war zone in Ukraine.
The Latvian Armed Forces announced that the flying object was detected over the Balvi region, in the east of the country. According to preliminary assessments, the drone may have deviated from its trajectory as a result of interference from Russian electronic warfare systems.
Immediately after its identification, NATO fighter jets were activated, which intervened and shot down the drone.
The incident has prompted Latvia to increase security measures on its eastern border. Additional air defense units have been deployed to the area, while the military is continuing intensified airspace surveillance.
There were also warnings of possible air hazards in several other areas, including Augšdaugava, Preiļi, Rēzekne and Alūksne. Authorities later announced that the situation in these regions had returned to normal.
The Latvian military has warned that similar incidents cannot be ruled out as long as fighting continues in Ukraine. Drones used in military operations could deviate from course and end up on the territory or near the borders of NATO countries.
Latvia is not the only NATO country to have recently faced such incidents. In Romania, in July, fighter jets shot down three drones in a span of just three days. At least one of them was identified by authorities as a “Shahed,” a model widely used by Russia in attacks on Ukraine.
Security measures have also been extended to the Black Sea. Romanian military divers this week destroyed two Gerbera drones near the Neptun Deep energy project. Romanian Defense Minister Radu Miruță said the operation was aimed at protecting maritime traffic and gas infrastructure.
Other incidents have also been reported in recent months in Romania and Bulgaria. In June, a Ukrainian naval drone exploded in the port of Constanta, while another incident was recorded near a compressor station of the Trans-Balkan gas pipeline on Bulgarian territory.
The developments have also put NATO in motion, which has held consultations with the affected member states. The alliance has expressed its support for their security and reiterated its readiness to protect the territory and airspace of member states.
The increase in drone incidents is becoming an ongoing challenge for NATO’s eastern flank. In addition to the risk of airspace violations, authorities are increasingly concerned about threats to airports, transport corridors and energy infrastructure in the region.