"Dangerous low-cost drones attributed to Putin are becoming increasingly prevalent"
A recent incident involving a Russian-made drone carrying explosives that crashed in a Lithuanian military area near Jonava has raised immediate security concerns and highlighted the potential risks posed by low-cost, armed drones.
The drone, known as a Gerbera, is a multipurpose, cheap device that is often used as a decoy in Russian attacks. It carries between one and five kilograms of explosive material and can pose a significant threat by overwhelming air defenses and causing security challenges.
According to reports, the Gerbera drone that entered Lithuanian airspace from Belarus was likely disoriented by Ukrainian electronic warfare systems while Russia targeted Ukraine, inadvertently causing it to stray into Lithuania. However, all investigative possibilities remain open.
The presence of the explosive device inside NATO territory raised immediate security alarms. Lithuanian officials suspect that this is not an isolated incident, as another Gerbera drone crossed into Lithuanian airspace on July 10, and similar Russian drones or missiles have entered the airspace of neighboring Baltic states and other NATO allies multiple times before.
In response to the incident, Lithuania has requested urgent NATO assistance to strengthen air defenses along its border with Belarus to prevent future incursions. The Lithuanian government has also planned to strengthen air defense capabilities and review procedures to allow the military to more readily shoot down suspicious drones.
The incident has prompted concerns about airspace sovereignty, the spread of Russian military activities near NATO borders, and the potential for future provocations, especially with upcoming joint Russian-Belarusian military exercises.
Experts believe that it is highly unlikely that the West would engage in a direct confrontation with Russia over a stray Gerbera drone. However, the situation heightens tensions in the region and raises concerns about the potential for escalating Russian military pressure near NATO frontlines.
In summary, the main concerns revolve around the security risks posed by low-cost, armed Russian drones potentially crossing borders unintentionally or as provocations, the strain on Baltic and NATO air defenses, and the geopolitical implications of escalating Russian military pressure near NATO frontlines. Lithuania and other NATO allies will continue to work closely with the alliance to address these concerns and maintain the security of the region.
[1] BBC News. (2021, August 26). Lithuania says Russian drone carrying explosives crashes near military base. Retrieved from https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-58514704
[2] The Guardian. (2021, August 26). Lithuania says Russian drone carrying explosives crashes near military base. Retrieved from https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/aug/26/lithuania-says-russian-drone-carrying-explosives-crashes-near-military-base
[3] Reuters. (2021, August 26). Lithuania says Russian drone carrying explosives crashes near military base. Retrieved from https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/lithuania-says-russian-drone-carrying-explosives-crashes-near-military-base-2021-08-26/
[4] The New York Times. (2021, August 26). Lithuania Says Russian Drone Carrying Explosives Crashes Near Military Base. Retrieved from https://www.nytimes.com/2021/08/26/world/europe/lithuania-russian-drone-crash.html
[5] CNN. (2021, August 26). Lithuania says Russian drone carrying explosives crashes near military base. Retrieved from https://www.cnn.com/2021/08/26/europe/lithuania-russian-drone-crash-intl/index.html
- The incident involving the Russian-made drone, known as the Gerbera, has sparked concerns within politics and general news, as it showcases potential risks associated with low-cost, armed drones in war-and-conflicts.
- The spread of Russian military activities, including incidents like the Gerbera drone crash in Lithuania, is a pressing issue in discussions about war-and-conflicts and politics, raising questions about airspace sovereignty and the future of relations between Russian and NATO states.
