Lithuania reported that two Russian military aircraft entered its airspace on Thursday for about 18 seconds. The Lithuanian military identified the aircraft as an Su-30 fighter jet and an Il-78 refuelling plane. Officials believe both aircraft conducted refuelling training when they crossed into Lithuania from Russia’s Kaliningrad region around 1600 CET.
Spanish Eurofighter Typhoon jets from NATO’s Baltic Air Police immediately scrambled and began patrolling the region. Lithuanian President Gitanas Nausėda denounced the intrusion on X, calling it a blatant violation of international law and national sovereignty.
He strongly condemned the act in a video statement, declaring that Lithuania must respond to such aggression. Moscow has not issued any comments on the incident.
NATO Warns Russia After Airspace Breaches
NATO and the European Union remain on alert after several recent Russian airspace violations. The alliance warned Moscow in late September that it would use every means to protect member states’ airspace following drone incidents over Poland and Estonia.
On 10 September, Russian drones entered Polish airspace, marking the first direct confrontation between NATO and Russia since the 2022 invasion of Ukraine. Days later, Estonia reported that three Russian MiG-31 fighter jets entered its airspace for 12 minutes without permission, an accusation Moscow denied.
European leaders voiced serious concern over these events, questioning NATO’s readiness to confront increasing Russian hostility. NATO reaffirmed its commitment to defend every member nation using all lawful military and non-military measures.
European Leaders Respond to Rising Drone Threats
After the Polish incident, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte launched the Eastern Sentry programme to deter further Russian incursions and show solidarity with Poland. He emphasized that all allies stand united against any airspace violations, intentional or accidental.
In Denmark, Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen said Russian involvement could not be ruled out after drone sightings forced Copenhagen airport to close for several hours on 23 September. She warned that such events reflect the tense times Europe faces. The Kremlin dismissed the accusations as unfounded.
Norway’s Oslo airport also shut down for three hours on 22 September after suspected drone activity. The Norwegian government reported three Russian airspace violations in 2025 but could not confirm whether the latest one was intentional. Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre declared the breach unacceptable regardless of its cause.
