Joint statement by the Ministers of Defence of the Baltic countries on drone incidents

We, Latvia, Estonia and Lithuania, are taking resolute steps with prioritizing our air defence development. However, recent incidents fuelled by Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine, demonstrate the importance to further strengthen multi-layered air defence.

This week several foreign unmanned aerial vehicles have crossed NATO airspace in the Baltic states and struck our soil/struck or terittory. Fortunately, no civilians were injured, and the damage to infrastructure was minimal. We commend the professionalism of Allies contributing to NATO´s Air Policing Mission that helps to preserve the security of our airspace.

While the investigation is underway to determine all relevant details and circumstances, we remain steadfast in our support to Ukraine’s defensive operations against Russia and Ukraine’s legitimate right to self-defence.

These incidents highlight an urgent need to continue enhancing our preparedness and investing in defence capabilities. The Baltic states are investing at least 5% of GDP in defence. We prioritize procurement of air defence capabilities and development of drone and counter-drone systems, as well as acoustic sensors.

We commend the excellent information exchange among relevant parties. Our joint coordination continues at the highest level.

While NATO’s mission Eastern Sentry has clearly demonstrated its value, NATO’s efforts to strengthen air defence, including countering drones, must be accelerated. Allies must urgently reinforce the capabilities required for effective detection and interception. The current presence of NATO aircraft and air defence systems in the Baltic states must be maintained and further strengthened to counter all air threats, including unmanned aerial vehicles.

These incidents further underscore the relevance of our application for the EU funding available under the European Defence Projects of Common Interest initiative. We stress the need to significantly scale up and earmark EU defence funding in the long-term, including for strengthening its eastern border through initiatives such as Eastern Flank Watch and a European Drone Defence Initiative.