Baltic presidents discuss airspace security amid rising drone incidents

The President of Lithuania, Gitanas Nausėda, has held talks with the leaders of Latvia and Estonia to discuss growing concerns over regional airspace security, following a rise in drone-related incidents across NATO’s eastern flank.

In a phone conversation initiated by Nausėda, he spoke with Latvian President Edgars Rinkēvičs and Estonian President Alar Karis about recent airspace violations, increased drone activity, and what officials describe as an intensifying Russian disinformation campaign targeting the Baltic states, LRT reports.

According to the Lithuanian Presidency, the leaders emphasised the need to strengthen NATO air defence capabilities and expand anti-drone systems in the region. They also discussed proposals to move beyond the current air policing model towards a more robust and permanent air defence posture.

The discussion comes amid heightened security alerts in the region, with Lithuania recently issuing air warning notices and Latvia reporting frequent alerts related to possible drone threats. Officials also pointed to a recent incident in Estonia, where a NATO Baltic air policing mission reportedly responded to a drone entering Estonian airspace.

The Baltic leaders jointly condemned what they described as repeated airspace violations and coordinated disinformation efforts, stressing that such actions increase tensions and threaten civilian safety. They also reiterated that Russia and Belarus must take responsibility for any unmanned aerial vehicles crossing into NATO territory.

In a joint statement following the call, the presidents reaffirmed their commitment to NATO collective defence and called for stronger allied engagement on the eastern flank. They also highlighted the importance of maintaining a continuous NATO fighter presence in the Baltic region as a key deterrent measure.

The three countries—Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia—said they would continue coordinating closely with allies to strengthen critical infrastructure protection and counter hybrid threats, including disinformation campaigns and drone incursions.

By Aghakazim Guliyev