NATO jets shoot down drone in Lithuanian airspace

NATO fighter jets shot down a drone that entered Lithuanian airspace overnight. The incident, which occurred near the village of Pratkunai and the Kaunas Reservoir, marks the first time a drone has been downed within Lithuanian territory.

Italian Eurofighter Typhoon jets, scrambled from the Šiauliai airbase, carried out the interception. The operation was coordinated by the NATO Combined Air Operations Centre in Uedem, Germany. While authorities have not officially confirmed the drone's origin or purpose, an investigation is currently underway in cooperation with national authorities.

This event follows recent warnings from NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte regarding Russian recklessness and incursions near alliance territory. Rutte stated that strikes close to NATO borders demonstrate a desire to sow fear and pledged to bolster defenses along the alliance's eastern borders.