NATO jets down drone over Lithuania, Russian frigate fires flares at Danish helicopter

NATO fighter jets intercepted and destroyed a drone that had entered Lithuanian airspace, while Denmark on Tuesday accused a Russian frigate of firing flares at a Danish military helicopter. The two incidents, which occurred in the Baltic region, have added to the growing tensions along the alliance’s eastern flank.

In Lithuania, the drone was detected by radar and tracked as it crossed the country’s airspace before being shot down by a NATO aircraft. The Lithuanian military confirmed the drone’s presence and the successful interception, noting that no other aircraft were involved. Meanwhile, the Danish helicopter was on a routine training flight when it reported being targeted by flare‑projectiles fired by a Russian warship operating in the area. The Danish Defence Ministry released a statement condemning the act and demanding an explanation from Russia.

These events underscore the heightened security concerns facing NATO members in the eastern part of the alliance. Both incidents illustrate the increasing frequency of provocative actions by Russian naval and aerial assets in proximity to NATO forces, prompting calls for greater vigilance and coordination among member states.