Foreign drone shot down by allied fighter jets in Latvian airspace

The National Armed Forces report that, in Latvian airspace in Balvi Municipality, fighter jets participating in the NATO Baltic Air Policing mission successfully shot down a foreign unmanned aerial vehicle that had entered Latvia as a result of russian electronic warfare activities.

At the same time, the National Armed Forces report that the announced airspace threats in the municipalities of Augšdaugava, Preiļi, Rēzekne, Balvi, and Alūksne ended at 04:50.

As previously reported, in response to the threat to Latvian airspace, fighter jets participating in the NATO Baltic Air Policing mission were activated.

The National Armed Forces, together with NATO allies, continuously monitor the airspace to ensure the ability to respond immediately to potential threats. The National Armed Forces have strengthened air defence capabilities along the eastern border by deploying additional units.

As long as russia’s aggression against Ukraine continues, similar incidents involving foreign unmanned aerial vehicles entering or approaching Latvian airspace may occur.

Information prepared by:
Information Analysis and Operations Department
Communications Division
National Armed Forces
Joint Headquarters
Email: prese@mil.lv