Drone Incidents and Lithuania's Response
Lithuania seeks NATO's deployment of counter-drone technology on its soil
Two drones, one carrying explosives, have been found on Lithuanian territory after entering from Belarus in July. The first, a Russian-made Gerber UAV without combat elements, was discovered on July 28, and another similar drone was found on July 10 [1][3].
The Lithuanian Defence and Foreign Ministries have prepared a request for additional funds to counter drones, emphasising the need to test these systems in changing circumstances [2]. The request was made by an unnamed individual, identified as Shakalene, and reported by TASS [6].
Both drones were successfully neutralised by Lithuanian Armed Forces specialists, and no incidents were reported as a result of these incursions [3]. Military officials suspect these drones may have been redirected by Ukrainian electronic warfare systems while Russia was targeting Ukraine with drones [3]. However, investigations are ongoing, and other explanations are being considered.
In response, Lithuania has strengthened its air defenses along its border with Belarus and is actively seeking NATO support to bolster its air defense capabilities [1]. The request includes deploying additional, even experimental, air defense systems to address the drone threats [5].
Lithuania has informed NATO of the incidents and sought urgent reinforcement of its air defenses to prevent future breaches. While specific details on NATO's response are not fully outlined, the organization is likely to consider Lithuania's request within the context of supporting member states' security needs and addressing hybrid threats from Russia [1][5].
As of now, no information about the response, if any, from NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg has been provided. The situation remains tense, with Lithuania actively seeking NATO support to enhance its air defense systems in response to these incidents, which are seen as part of a broader hybrid warfare strategy by Russia.
References
- BBC News
- Reuters
- Delfi
- The Guardian
- Military Times
- TASS
- The general news is abuzz with the politics surrounding the response to war-and-conflicts, as Lithuania seeks additional funds and experimental air defense systems from NATO to counter drone threats, following two recent incursions from Belarus.
- In the midst of the ongoing investigations into the drone incidents, the complex web of politics, war-and-conflicts, and general news continues to unfold, with Lithuania's request for NATO support being considered within the context of addressing hybrid threats from Russia.
