Lithuania confirms readiness to defend airspace after Russian jet incursions

Lithuania must be prepared to shoot down hostile aircraft violating its airspace if necessary, Presidential Chief Adviser Deividas Matulionis said on September 24.

“I can confirm that we should have the means to shoot them down,” Matulionis told reporters at a press conference in the Presidential Palace. He stressed that the decision to intercept and destroy such aircraft lies primarily within national competence, though NATO could also take action if it determines a threat exists.

The adviser cautioned, however, that any crisis response must be carefully managed to avoid uncontrolled escalation. “The process is not as simple as we might imagine — that if a plane enters, missiles are immediately launched at it. We should also keep this in mind. Escalation management, perhaps unpopular in Lithuania, is still an important factor,” he said.

His comments came after three Russian MiG-31 fighter jets breached Estonian airspace near Vaindloo Island on September 19, remaining for about 12 minutes before being intercepted by Italian F-35s. The Russian aircraft had no flight plans, flew with transponders switched off, and failed to maintain radio contact with Estonian air traffic control.

In response, Estonia invoked Article 4 of the NATO treaty, which provides for consultations among allies when a member state perceives an external threat.

The violation followed another incident two weeks earlier, when roughly 20 Russian drones crossed into Polish airspace. That provocation prompted NATO to launch “Eastern Sentry,” a mission aimed at reinforcing the Alliance’s eastern flank. The operation will involve forces from Denmark, France, the United Kingdom, and Germany.

By Tamilla Hasanova