**Lithuania Considers Partial Airspace Closure Amid Drone Incursion**
In a move to ensure national security, Lithuania is considering partial closure of its airspace following an ongoing search for a drone suspected of entering the country from Belarus. The decision comes as the country’s defense minister, Dovile Sakaliene, emphasized the need for strengthened air defenses.
According to Sakaliene, NATO forces face difficulties in closing specific sections of airspace when responding to hostile drone incursions. As a result, Lithuania may introduce partial closures to prevent similar incidents in the future. The move is seen as a precautionary measure amidst heightened tensions between Russia and Ukraine.
**Reinforcing Air Defenses**
The Lithuanian military has announced plans to reinforce air defenses at the country’s border with Belarus following the incident. Sakaliene highlighted the importance of investing in air defense capabilities, stating that more attention should have been given to strengthening Lithuania’s defenses from the beginning of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
Lithuania is currently acquiring essential equipment and plans to expand its efforts further in the near future. The minister noted that the country is purchasing acoustic radars, accelerating weapons procurement, and other processes are ongoing.
**Upcoming Military Exercises**
The upcoming military exercises in Belarus, known as Zapad-2025, are expected to take place in mid-September and involve around 13,000 troops. These drills increase the likelihood of incidents, even unintentional ones, Sakaliene warned.
Belarus has been a key ally to Russia during its full-scale war against Ukraine, allowing Russian forces to use Belarusian territory as a staging ground for military operations. The country has also escalated its hybrid operations against the EU by again funnelling illegal migrants to its borders, Ukrainian intelligence warned.
**Previous Incidents**
A drone flying from Belarus into Lithuanian airspace was reported on July 10. Although it was initially identified as a Shahed-type drone, Lithuanian border guards later clarified it was a homemade plywood drone that posed no danger.
In a separate incident, a drone flying over the Belarusian capital was intercepted and brought down early on July 29, according to the country’s Defense Ministry.
Previous incidents involving Russian drones or missiles have strayed into the territory of Poland, Moldova, and Romania during past attacks on Ukraine.
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