Lithuanian president urges urgent strengthening of air defense after drone incursions
Lithuanian President Gitanas Nausėda has called for the urgent strengthening of air defense systems following a series of drone incursions. According to him, such attacks have already become part of Russia’s war against Ukraine and pose risks to neighboring countries.
Over the past week, several drone incidents have been recorded in the Baltic states, including one in Lithuania. The president’s remarks were reported by LRT.
Nausėda said Lithuania must accelerate the modernization of its air defense systems in response to growing threats linked to Russia’s war against Ukraine.
His statement came after a series of drone incidents in the Baltic region. At least three such cases were reported over the past week, including a drone crash on Lithuanian territory.
The president stressed that these are no longer isolated incidents but a new reality for countries neighboring Ukraine.
“We all understand that Russia’s aggressive war against Ukraine poses many dangers to neighboring states. Hybrid attacks, drone strikes, and conventional attacks are all part of this war,” he said.
Nausėda emphasized that the current approach to security must change, noting that old models no longer work.
“We must move from a pacifist model of airspace policing to full-fledged air defense. This should include both detection and destruction of targets,” he said.
He also added that regional air defense should become one of the key issues at the upcoming NATO summit.
Nausėda made it clear that the Baltic states are already feeling the effects of the war not only indirectly, but directly — and that a swift response is needed.
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