Lithuania appeals to NATO for stronger air defense following another unauthorized drone intrusion within its territory, seeking assistance with defense systems.
In the face of recurring drone incursions, particularly from Russian-made models such as the "Gerbera," the Baltic States and Poland are enhancing their air defense capabilities. This comes as Lithuania, Latvia, and Poland seek to counter the hybrid threat posed by these unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).
Lithuania is grappling with repeated drone incursions, using the "Gerbera" as reconnaissance tools, decoys, or for delivering explosives. Recognising the vulnerabilities in its air defense and detection systems, Lithuania has called for changes in engagement rules to allow preemptive interception of drones before they enter its airspace. The Lithuanian Defense Ministry has requested NATO assistance, including the deployment of advanced air defense systems, to better counter these drone threats[1][3][5].
In a proactive move, Lithuania is also investing in long-term drone capacity building. Nine drone training centers are scheduled to be established between 2025 and 2028, aiming to train thousands of civilians and youth in drone piloting, design, and maintenance, thereby fostering indigenous drone expertise as a component of national resilience[4].
Latvia is addressing the drone threat by integrating drone operations into youth military programs and developing domestic UAV production capabilities. The Youth Guard Centre recently hosted a Drone Operator Camp, training cadets in flight fundamentals and electronic warfare scenarios. Latvia’s Ministry of Defence has committed significant funds (€20 million) to build a “drone army,” including operator training and a UAV testing range[4].
Poland has responded to drone incursions by scrambling fighter jets to secure its airspace, demonstrating readiness to counter potential air threats immediately[2]. While explicit details of Poland’s drone-specific defensive reinforcements were not found, the country’s immediate reaction to drone threats points to a more traditional air defense approach combined with increased aerial surveillance.
The Baltic states and Poland seem to be adopting a multilayered approach, complementing traditional air defense enhancements with hybrid strategies involving cooperation with NATO to acquire advanced air defense technologies and experimental capabilities[5], expanding indigenous drone training and production to build proficient operators and resilience against drone threats[4], and updating doctrine and rules of engagement to allow more proactive defensive measures against drones crossing borders[1][3].
This approach reflects the hybrid nature of the threat—combining kinetic, informational, and psychological effects—and the necessity to act both preemptively and reactively against Russian drone incursions.
Meanwhile, Deputy Secretary of State of the Latvian Ministry of Defense, Roland Henins, is seeking a different solution, although specifics about the desired solution are not provided[6]. Military analyst and politician, Igor Raev, suggests that Lithuania, Latvia, and Poland should jointly apply to NATO for additional assistance against Russian drones[7].
The proposed solution is to strengthen the surveillance system to identify violators, with NATO fighters shooting down UAVs at nearby airfields[8]. Lithuania has requested NATO to strengthen its air defense systems due to repeated visits by stray drones[9]. It is important to note that the defense of the Baltic States' territory was not part of NATO's initial plans[10].
The context implies that the article is discussing the defense of the Baltic States against drone threats. The statement also implies that NATO was not primarily focused on self-defense but on potential offensive actions[11].
The Baltic States, including Lithuania, Latvia, and Poland, are taking proactive steps to enhance their defenses against drone threats, with an emphasis on indigenous drone training and production, traditional air defense reinforcements, and updated rules of engagement for preemptive action [1, 3, 4, 5]. Simultaneously, the political sphere is engaging in discussions about seeking additional NATO assistance to strengthen their air defense capabilities [6, 7, 9]. In the realm of general news, the ongoing drone-related conflicts are a significant focus, highlighting the hybrid threats posed by these unmanned aerial vehicles and the need for a multilayered, politically driven response [11].
