Latvia closes airspace amid drone tensions with Russia

In Latvia, the government has taken a significant step in response to recent military threats from Russia. On September 11, 2025, Defense Minister Andris Spruds disclosed that the country would immediately close its airspace along its eastern borders with Russia and Belarus. This decision follows the concerning incursion of at least 19 Russian drones into Polish airspace, heightening fears of escalating tensions in the region. Minister Spruds addressed the public, reassuring them that there is no immediate threat to Latvia. However, he emphasized the necessity of maintaining a controlled airspace for national security purposes, particularly amid the ongoing "Namejs" military exercise, which commenced on September 2 and is scheduled to run until October 8. To enhance coordinated defense capabilities, Latvian armed forces are set to remain on heightened alert as the airspace closure provides an opportunity for effective monitoring and management of unauthorized aerial activities. The airspace closure commenced late on September 10, 2025, and authorities have announced that it will be in effect until at least December 9, 2025. This period will allow the government to undertake essential operations, including the deployment of additional mobile combat units, testing of new acoustic monitoring systems, and conducting simulated counter-drone exercises. Such strategic measures have been deemed critical following recent surveillance violations by Russian military drones in neighboring Baltic states, such as Lithuania, which declared its own no-fly zone following drone crashes linked to aggressive actions from Belarus. Internationally, the regional tension is further exacerbated by recent incidents involving Russian military aircraft breaching the airspace of other countries bordering the Baltic Sea, including Estonia. These violations are perceived as provocations, prompting neighboring nations to take defensive actions to ensure their sovereignty. As Finland, Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania bolster their military readiness, the situation draws significant attention, reflecting broader concerns regarding the stability and security of NATO's eastern flank as geopolitical dynamics evolve.