Lithuania tightens security after repeated airspace breaches from Belarus

Lithuania has stepped up airspace monitoring and coordination between security agencies after a series of weather balloons and drones entered its territory from Belarus, prompting growing concern in Vilnius over potential provocations and national security risks.

Interior Minister Vladislavas Kondratovičius said on October 26 that police would deepen cooperation with the Lithuanian Armed Forces to counter the incursions and curb cross-border smuggling, Caliber.Az reports, citing Lithuanian media.

Joint task forces of police investigators and customs officers will now operate alongside military and intelligence units to respond to incidents more swiftly.

Under a newly approved agreement, Lithuania’s airspace has been divided into 24 zones, enabling authorities to shut down a specific zone within minutes of detecting an unidentified aerial object.

“As soon as an object is spotted, the corresponding area can be closed within ten minutes and necessary measures taken,” Kondratovičius said after a meeting at the Defence Ministry.

While the minister declined to specify the exact measures being deployed, he confirmed that elements of air defence and reconnaissance systems would be used. “If you imagine we’ll put a cannon at the border and start shooting, that won’t happen — but there will be other, equally effective measures,” he said, adding that details are being withheld to prevent smugglers and foreign actors from adapting their tactics.

Kondratovičius also highlighted the government’s plan to build a so-called “drone wall” — an integrated surveillance and interception system aimed at detecting and neutralising unauthorised flying objects, including weather balloons launched from across the border.

The incidents have caused several disruptions in recent days. On the night of October 25, Vilnius Airport was forced to suspend operations for six hours after weather balloons entered Lithuanian airspace from Belarus — the third such shutdown in a week. The border with Belarus was also temporarily closed as a precautionary measure.

Prime Minister Inga Ruginenė said the National Security Commission will convene on October 27 to discuss further action, urging residents to remain patient as authorities strengthen defensive and monitoring capabilities.

By Aghakazim Guliyev