NATO jets shoot down drone in Lithuanian airspace

NATO fighter jets shot down an unidentified drone that entered Lithuanian airspace shortly after midnight on September 15, 2026, marking the first time such an incident has occurred in the Baltic nation's territory. Lithuanian authorities said the drone was destroyed near the village of Pratkūnai in the southern part of the country, between the capital Vilnius and the second-largest city, Kaunas. Emergency drone alerts were issued to mobile phones in Vilnius and surrounding regions just after midnight, warning residents of a potential aerial threat. Approximately 30 minutes later, NATO Baltic Air Policing mission jets engaged and destroyed the drone. Lithuanian officials reported no immediate casualties or damage. Preliminary information indicates the drone entered Lithuania from neighboring 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.