“Today once again demonstrated that NATO acts in accordance with established plans to defend Allied territory, doing so decisively and successfully. The drone that entered Lithuanian airspace was detected and shot down, thereby ensuring the security of Lithuania’s airspace and its people,” Tsahkna said.
This was the first time that fighter jets participating in NATO’s Baltic Air Policing mission had shot down a drone that entered Lithuanian airspace.
According to Tsahkna, the incident demonstrates the importance of NATO’s Baltic air defence mission and of continuously strengthening the Allies’ deterrence and defence capabilities. It is also a reminder that Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine has a direct impact on the security of NATO Allies.
“Russia’s aggression against Ukraine is not only Ukraine’s problem. Its effects and risks extend to our own borders, and it is therefore in our own interests to help achieve a just and lasting peace,” Tsahkna said.
The Foreign Minister also noted that the threat Russia poses to the Allies had recently been evident in Denmark, where a Russian frigate fired signal flares towards a Danish military helicopter carrying out its duties.
“Allied unity, vigilance and the strengthening of our defence capabilities are crucial to addressing the threat posed by Russia,” Tsahkna stressed.
