NATO Fighters Shoot Down Drone Over Latvia, Blamed on Russian Warfare

NATO fighter jets shot down a drone over eastern Latvia on Friday. Latvian authorities linked the incident to "Russian electromagnetic warfare."

The drone was destroyed over the Balvi region by aircraft participating in NATO's Baltic Air patrol mission. Two Italian Eurofighters were scrambled from Siauliai air base in Lithuania, with one destroying the unmanned aircraft. Two Turkish F-16s were also deployed under NATO command. NATO Spokesperson Allison Hart confirmed the incident, stating NATO ensures its skies are protected.

Latvia's military initially issued an air alert, urging people in affected eastern and southern regions to remain indoors and seek shelter. These airspace alerts were lifted at 4:50 a.m. local time. Latvian Prime Minister Andris Kulbergs stated on X that the incident confirms Latvian airspace is protected and emphasized the need to strengthen surveillance and anti-drone capabilities.

Defence Minister Raivis Melnis said the decision to shoot down the drone was taken to avert a threat to Latvia’s population. The drone wreckage fell in a wooded area, causing no casualties or property damage, according to Sandra Kapteine, head of the Rugāji village administration. Latvian authorities did not immediately identify the drone's origin, but stated a foreign drone entered Latvian airspace as a result of Russia's electronic warfare activity.

NATO has launched an investigation into the matter. This suggested it could have been an Ukrainian drone diverted off course by Russian electronic interference. Ukrainian forces had attacked targets in northwestern Russia overnight, according to Latvian media. This marks the second time a drone has been shot down in Latvian airspace, with a previous incident occurring in early June.

Latvia, an EU and NATO member bordering Russia, has faced repeated instances of drones entering its airspace since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Finland temporarily restricted airspace and a sea area in the eastern Gulf of Finland early Friday as a precaution, lifting restrictions shortly after 7 a.m.