NATO French jets down drone over Latvia, trigger air alerts

NATO fighter jets shot down a drone that entered Latvian airspace on Monday, June 8, 2026, prompting air alerts and shelter orders for residents in the country's eastern border regions. The incident, which occurred around 10:00 a.m. local time, marks the first time the alliance's rapid reaction Baltic Air Policing mission has downed a stray drone over Latvia.

French Air Force jets operating under NATO command were scrambled from the Siauliai airbase in Lithuania to intercept the unmanned aerial vehicle. Latvian military officials confirmed the successful interception, with the country's foreign minister, Baiba Braze, publicly thanking French allies for the action. The National Armed Forces of Latvia (NBS) stated the airspace warning, initially issued at approximately 9:20 a.m., was lifted by 10:30 a.m.

Authorities issued urgent civil defense instructions to residents in the eastern municipalities of Ludza, Krāslava, Balvi, Alūksne, Rēzekne, and Augšdaugava, areas close to the borders with Russia and Belarus. Alerts sent to mobile phones advised people to seek shelter indoors, close windows and doors, and follow the "two-wall principle" by positioning themselves behind multiple...