Explosives-laden drone breaches Lithuanian airspace from Belarus

On July 28, a drone entered Lithuanian airspace from Belarus, prompting an immediate response from authorities. The drone, which was initially unidentified, triggered a search that lasted several days before it was discovered on August 1 at the Gaiziunai training ground in the central Jonava district. Upon examination, it was revealed to be a Russian-made Gerbera drone carrying approximately two kilograms of explosives. Lithuania's Prosecutor General's Office confirmed the drone's explosive payload on August 5, stating that the device was neutralized at the scene. Parts of the drone are currently undergoing forensic analysis. Colonel Dainius Paskevicius, chief of staff of the Lithuanian Air Force, noted that the drone's payload was significantly less than the typical carrying capacity of 50 kilograms for such devices. The current assessment by Lithuanian Defense Minister Dovile Sakaliene suggests that the drone may have inadvertently crossed into Lithuanian airspace due to disorientation caused by Ukrainian defense systems. Investigations are still ongoing to ascertain the circumstances surrounding the incident. The Ministry of Defense has taken measures to bolster air defenses along Lithuania's border with Belarus in light of this breach. In response to this incident, Lithuania has formally notified NATO, requesting urgent reinforcement of air defenses to prevent similar occurrences. The situation reflects increasing tensions in the region, particularly as Lithuania has experienced similar airspace violations from military drones or missiles in the past, including incidents involving Russia in neighboring countries like Latvia, Poland, Moldova, and Romania. The potential for future encounters has raised alarms, especially with joint Russian-Belarusian military exercises slated for later this year. Defense Minister Dovile Sakaliene has warned that the upcoming military exercises could heighten the risk of similar incidents. The Baltic states have increasingly reported airspace violations, leading to heightened security measures and a call for stronger international defense cooperation. This incident underscores the ongoing geopolitical tensions and the complexities of airspace security in Eastern Europe, as nations remain vigilant against potential threats amid escalating military activities in the region.