NATO urged to enhance aerial defenses following a Russian drone incident in Lithuania
Lithuania has requested immediate measures from NATO to bolster its air defenses, following two incidents in less than a month where Russian drones violated its airspace. The most recent incident occurred on July 28, with the drone believed to be a Russian-made Gerbera drone, typically used as decoys in Russia's strikes against Ukraine, being found in a military training area on August 1.
The threat to Lithuanian airspace is real and growing. Similar airspace violations have also been reported by other allies recently. In response to these incidents, Lithuania has successfully neutralised the explosive device carried by the drone, and Prosecutor-general Nida Grunskiene is investigating the incident.
The drone was spotted over parts of Vilnius, the capital of Lithuania, causing concern among the population. If Belarus, a key ally of Moscow, fails to take action to minimize potential damage on Lithuania's side, Lithuania will respond with political and other measures.
NATO can immediately enhance Lithuania’s air defense capabilities by deploying additional and possibly experimental air and missile defense systems on Lithuanian territory. This could involve reinforcing with similar or more capable systems to existing ones, such as Italy’s SAMP/T long-range air defense system, to cover eastern flank vulnerabilities.
Another key measure is accelerating the rotational air defense model. This involves fully implementing and possibly increasing the frequency and scale of NATO rotations of air defense units and aircraft in Lithuania to maintain a persistent defense presence.
Increasing aerial surveillance and combat air patrols is also crucial. To detect and intercept low-cost, swarm-capable drones such as the Russian Gerbera loitering munition reported in the incursions, NATO air forces can increase patrols and intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) assets over Lithuania.
Lithuania has also requested “even experimental” air defense capabilities, potentially including new counter-drone technologies, electronic warfare systems, or enhanced radar networks to counter sophisticated drone threats.
These steps aim to address the challenges posed by low-cost, swarm-deployable drones used by Russia, which complicate interception and pose a direct threat to NATO airspace integrity. In summary, NATO’s immediate response to Lithuania’s request involves reinforcing existing air defense infrastructure, increasing allied rotations and patrols, and deploying innovative systems to counter evolving drone threats along the alliance’s eastern border.
[1] https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/nato-to-bolster-lithuanias-air-defenses-after-drone-incursions-2021-08-04/ [2] https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-58032844 [3] https://www.defensenews.com/global/europe/2021/08/04/nato-to-bolster-lithuanias-air-defenses-after-drone-incursions/ [4] https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/lithuanias-defence-minister-says-nato-to-deploy-additional-air-defence-systems-2021-08-04/
- The increase in airspace violations by drones, such as the recent incident involving a suspected Russian Gerbera drone, has underscored the need for Lithuania to strengthen its air defenses in the face of war-and-conflicts and politics, with general news reporting on NATO's plans to bolster its defenses.
- In response to the growing threat to its airspace, Lithuania has appealed to NATO for means to counter sophisticated drones, which may include experimental air defense capabilities and other measures, coinciding with discussions on arts, politics, and general news.
