NATO jets shoot down drone in first for Lithuania

NATO fighter jets shot down a drone in Lithuanian airspace shortly after midnight on September 15, 2026, marking the first time such an incident has occurred in the country's territory. The Lithuanian National Crisis Management Centre confirmed the interception, stating the drone was destroyed near Pratkūnai village in the Kaišiadorys district, between Vilnius and Kaunas. An urgent drone alert was sent to mobile phones in Vilnius, Trakai, and Elektrėnai just after midnight, warning residents of a potential aerial threat and urging them to seek shelter. Approximately 30 minutes later, the NATO Baltic Air Defence mission jets engaged and destroyed the drone. Lithuanian authorities reported no immediate casualties or damage. Preliminary information indicates the drone entered Lithuania from neighbouring Belarus and was traveling west. The drone's specific type, capabilities, and intended target remain under investigation. Lithuanian President Gitanas Nausėda confirmed the event on social media, stating, "A drone that just entered Lithuanian airspace was destroyed by NATO fighter jets. I thank Allied personnel for their swift response.