Kanal13

NATO fighter jets shot down Russian drone for the first time; another war in Europe

Duration: 3:50 494 transcript words EN summary

Video summary

NATO fighter jets have successfully intercepted and shot down a Russian drone for the first time within Lithuanian airspace, marking a significant escalation in regional defense efforts. Following the incident, Lithuanian President Gitanas Nausėda announced on social media that the military had warned the population via mobile notifications before the threat was neutralized. He expressed gratitude to his allies for their prompt response, emphasizing that such readiness is vital given Russia's escalating aggression against Ukraine. The successful interception demonstrates the collective security capabilities of the alliance as it strengthens its defensive posture in the face of increasing threats from the east. The timeline of the event unfolded rapidly after midnight when fire and rescue departments reported a drone entering Lithuanian territory, triggering an air danger alert across several areas. Approximately thirty minutes later, officials confirmed that the intruder had been destroyed mid-air near the village of Prakeniai in the Kaisiadorys district of the Kaunas region. Vilmantas Vitkauskas, head of the National Research Center for the Protection of Humanitarian Affairs, stated that military police and other services were dispatched to the scene to identify the drone's type, parameters, and flight purpose. Preliminary data suggests the object likely entered Lithuania from Belarus before moving westward toward the Kaunas lakes, where it was eventually brought down without reported injuries or immediate damage. Intelligence reports indicate that Russia is considering using captured Ukrainian-made drones to attack critical infrastructure in the Baltic region, a strategy designed to create confusion regarding the origin of attacks and conceal responsibility for strikes on NATO territory. Lithuanian Defense Minister Robertas Gaidys confirmed this assessment, highlighting the strategic intent behind such operations. This context adds urgency to the recent incident, as it suggests that drones entering from Belarus may be part of a broader Russian effort to destabilize the region by exploiting perceived vulnerabilities in allied defenses. In addition to the intercepted drone, media reports noted a separate incident on March 23rd where a drone crashed and exploded near a lake in the Lavysas village within Varėna district, close to the Belarus border. An engine similar to those used in various drones was found at the crash site, though no explosives were initially detected by army officials. Despite the absence of immediate evidence of explosive devices, authorities caution that their presence cannot be ruled out and continue searching through the night to recover debris and determine the full scope of the threat. These events underscore the persistent aerial dangers facing Lithuania and its NATO partners as they navigate an increasingly volatile security environment in Europe.

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NATO fighter jets shot down a drone in Lithuanian airspace for the first time, Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda announced on social media. According to available information, the Lithuanian military warned the population in advance through notifications sent to mobile phones about a possible air threat. Nauseda thanked his allies for their prompt response to the drone intrusion into the country's airspace. The drone, which had just entered Lithuanian airspace, was destroyed by NATO fighter jets. "I thank the allied personnel for their prompt response," he said in a statement. The Lithuanian president noted the importance of such actions against the backdrop of increasing Russian aggression against Ukraine. "Given Russia's escalating aggression against Ukraine, such readiness is vital for our region. Together with our NATO allies, Lithuania will defend its airspace." Lithuanian LRT reported that a few minutes after midnight, the fire and rescue department reported that a drone had entered Lithuanian territory and a probable air danger was declared in several areas of the country. Approximately 30 minutes later, it became known that the drone had been shot down in mid-air. At 1:00 a.m., Vilmantas Vitkauskas, head of the National Research Center for the Protection of Humanitarian Affairs, confirmed on LRT that the drone had been shot down in Kaisiadorys district Kaunas region and according to preliminary data, near the village of Prakeniai. The article states that Lithuanian military police, police officers, and other services were dispatched to the scene. "Units went out to determine what kind of drone it was, its parameters, and the purpose of its flight," Vitkauskas explained. According to the head of the NKVC, the drone was shot down in a rural area near the Kaunas lakes. According to him, there is no information yet about any injuries or damage caused. It will be difficult, but the search continues into the night. "We will make every effort to find them as quickly as possible." The head of the NKT stated. According to preliminary data, the drone likely entered Lithuania from Belarus. Yes, from Belarus. Then Lentvaris, Trakai district. This object was moving west, the head of the NKT said, describing the drone's preliminary trajectory. Media previously reported that a Lithuanian military intelligence report stated that Russia is considering using captured Ukrainian-made drones to attack critical infrastructure in the Baltic region. Specifically, the report noted that Russia could use captured Ukrainian drones to create confusion about the origin of the attack and to conceal responsibility for any strikes on NATO territory. Lithuanian Defense Minister Robertas Kaunas also confirmed this assessment. Media also reported that on the night of Monday, March 23rd, a drone crashed and exploded in the village of Lavysas in Lithuania's Varėna district, located on the border with Belarus. The drone crashed and exploded near a lake. An engine, similar to that used in some drones, was found at the crash site. According to a Lithuanian army major, no explosives were found, but that doesn't mean they weren't there.