NATO fighter jets down drone that entered Latvia's airspace

Latvian authorities confirmed that fighter jets operating under a NATO air‑defence mission intercepted and destroyed a drone that entered the country’s airspace early on Friday. The incident occurred in the northern part of Latvia, where the aircraft were on routine patrols to monitor potential threats in the region.

The drone, whose origin and purpose were not disclosed by the defence ministry, was brought down before it could reach any populated area or critical infrastructure. The operation was carried out by NATO‑aligned forces, underscoring the alliance’s commitment to protecting member states’ airspace and maintaining situational awareness in a volatile security environment.

Latvia’s defence ministry reiterated its readiness to respond to any future incursions and praised the swift action of the NATO mission. The incident serves as a reminder of the heightened vigilance required in the Baltic region, where aerial threats continue to pose a challenge to national and collective security.