Lithuania vows to shoot down any invading drones after Poland's near-miss

Poland experienced a series of drone incursions attributed to Russian forces, culminating in the Polish military labeling these actions as an act of aggression. Following these events, both Lithuania and Poland heightened their defensive measures to address potential threats from neighboring Russia. Lithuania's defense minister, Dovile Sakaliene, confirmed that the country was fully prepared to intercept drones intruding its airspace. This preparation included revising decision-making protocols to enhance flexibility and rapidity in response, alongside amendments to existing legislation and deployment of additional military resources close to the border. NATO experts are assisting Lithuania in these preparations, indicating broader cooperation within the alliance to safeguard against Russian aggression. This situation underscores an increasing tension in the Baltic region as Russia conducts regular strikes involving both drone and missile attacks, routinely violating NATO airspace. Such actions have prompted NATO aircraft based in Poland and Romania to actively monitor the conflict in Ukraine, illustrating the heightened military activity along the eastern edge of the alliance. The incorporation of advanced air defense systems, such as the IRIS-T, signals an urgent need for NATO member states to bolster their defenses. As Baltic nations adapt their military frameworks and legislation in response to perceived threats, the significant increase in defense spending and re-evaluation of deterrence strategies reflect a changing dynamic in European defense policy. Experts note that the effectiveness of contemporary warfare tactics, including the use of cost-effective drones, is shifting how national security is approached in Europe, emphasizing the need for modernization in military capabilities to counteract these new forms of aggression.