NATO jets down drone inside Lithuanian airspace
NATO fighter jets shot down a drone that entered Lithuanian airspace after alerts in Vilnius and nearby areas. Authorities said its origin was unknown but that it likely crossed from Belarus, Russia's ally. Reports from BBC, France 24 and the Guardian place the incident amid repeated incursions since Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
Why it matters
A live interception over alliance territory increases concern about spillover and miscalculation on NATO's eastern flank.
Sources
finite. summarises the reporting above and links to each original. We do not reproduce full articles. Read the sources for complete coverage.
Part of the September 15, 2026 brief.