Lithuania has called on NATO to take immediate steps to strengthen its air defence systems following the discovery of a Russian drone carrying explosives that violated the country’s airspace.

 

On Tuesday, Lithuanian Foreign Minister Kęstutis Budrys and Defence Minister Dovilė Šakalienė formally appealed to NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte, requesting enhanced air defence support.

 

Writing on X (formerly Twitter), Budrys revealed that the drone, believed to be Russian, entered Lithuanian airspace on July 28 and was seen over parts of the capital, Vilnius. It was eventually located on August 1 in a military training area.

 

Prosecutor-General Nida Grunskienė confirmed that the drone was carrying an explosive device, which was safely neutralized by Lithuanian armed forces. She stated that while one theory suggests the drone may have entered Lithuanian territory accidentally, all possible motives are under investigation.

 

The drone is suspected to be a Russian-made “Gerbera” model, typically used as a decoy in Russia’s military operations against Ukraine.

 

“This marks the second such incident in less than a month,” Budrys noted, adding that similar violations have been reported by other NATO allies. “The threat is real and growing.”

 

He also pointed fingers at Belarus — a close ally of Moscow — stressing its responsibility in preventing such breaches. “If Belarus fails to take action to minimise the potential damage on our side, Lithuania will respond with political and other measures,” he warned.