On Monday morning, a drone that penetrated Latvia's territory from abroad was destroyed in the country's airspace. According to the National Armed Forces, the drone was shot down by NATO's French fighter jets in Latgale.
Latvia has for the first time used force against a drone that intruded into its airspace from abroad. On Monday morning, the drone was destroyed by French fighter jets participating in NATO's mission to protect the airspace of the Baltic states.
This was reported by the National Armed Forces (NAF).
The incident occurred in Latgale. After the object was destroyed, the military stated that the potential threat had been eliminated and the situation was under control.
The event was preceded by a large-scale warning for residents of the eastern regions of the country. In the morning, the NAF announced a possible threat in the airspace over the Alūksne, Balvi, Ludza, and Rēzekne municipalities, as well as over the city of Rēzekne.
Residents of parts of Latgale were advised to stay indoors, follow the principle of two walls, and monitor official information. People were also asked to immediately report low-flying or suspicious objects to emergency services.
What is important to know: this is the first confirmed case of the destruction of a drone that penetrated Latvia's airspace since such incidents began to be regularly recorded on the eastern border of the country.
In recent months, residents of Latgale and Vidzeme have repeatedly received emergency warnings about possible threats in the air. Several drones had previously crossed the border or approached it.
Some of these devices fell on their own, while others exploded after falling. In neighboring Estonia, one of the drones was previously shot down by a NATO mission aircraft.
According to experts, such drones are linked to the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine. These are devices that deviate from their routes for various reasons and end up in the airspace of neighboring states.
After a series of such incidents, Latvia strengthened its air defense system on the eastern border and increased cooperation with NATO allies.
The issue of airspace protection has also gained political significance in the country. One of the previous incidents involving a drone incursion led to serious criticism of the authorities' actions and resulted in the resignation of Defense Minister Andris Sprūds. Subsequently, the government of Evika Siliņa also resigned.
The current case is the first where a potential threat was not only recorded but also neutralized by allied forces directly in Latvia's airspace.
