NATO fighters destroy drone over Latvia for the first time, air alert canceled

In Latvia, the air alert regime has been canceled, which was introduced earlier due to the appearance of an unidentified unmanned aerial vehicle in the country's airspace.

This is reported by the Latvian media LSM, citing data from the national armed forces and NATO allies.

According to the military, radar surveillance systems recorded a violation of the air border, after which increased readiness was declared in the eastern regions of the country and operational response measures were activated. Residents were sent warnings through the emergency notification system with recommendations to stay indoors.

As part of the response to the threat, NATO fighters participating in the mission to patrol the airspace of the Baltic countries were scrambled. After visual confirmation of the target, a decision was made to destroy the drone. This became the first recorded case of NATO forces being used against a drone over Latvian territory.

The military clarifies that the operation was carried out in accordance with established security protocols, which provide for mandatory identification of the object and assessment of risks to the civilian population before the use of weapons.

After the threat was eliminated, the situation in the airspace was deemed stable, and the alert regime was canceled. Air defense units continue enhanced surveillance in the eastern direction and work together with NATO allies.

In recent months, the Baltic countries have recorded an increase in the number of drone incidents, which leads to increased security measures and regular involvement of NATO air patrol forces to protect the region's air borders.