French fighter jets taking part in NATO’s Baltic Air Policing mission shot down a drone that entered Latvian airspace, marking the first time such an interception has occurred in the country, according to Latvia’s military.
The incident took place on June 8, when a French Rafale aircraft, deployed as part of NATO’s rotating air defense presence in the region, successfully engaged the unmanned aircraft after it crossed into Latvian territory. Military officials said the drone was considered a foreign object that ended up in the airspace due to electronic interference.
“Allied fighter jets successfully shoot down a drone flying into Latvian airspace!” the Latvian armed forces stated in a post on social media, confirming the interception. The French aircraft involved in the operation is based in Šiauliai, Lithuania, as part of NATO’s ongoing Baltic Air Policing mission, which has been safeguarding the skies over Latvia, Lithuania, and Estonia since 2004.
Authorities reported that air raid alerts were issued in several eastern and northeastern regions of Latvia ahead of the interception, with residents urged to take shelter due to a potential aerial threat. The alert was lifted once the drone was neutralized.
