Latvian authorities scrambled NATO fighter jets following a drone sighting, a day after a similar threat forced thousands of people in neighbouring Lithuania to take cover. Ukraine has stepped up its drone attacks on Russia, including via the Baltic Sea, and several Ukrainian military drones have strayed into the airspace of NATO members Finland, Latvia, Lithuania, and Estonia.

The $30 million NATO Response

The Latvian Armed Forces confirmed the sighting of at least one unmanned aircraft in Latvian airspace, with one drone confirmed to have crossed into Latvia from Belarus. The Latvian government resigned last week over its handling of the incursions,and talks are ongoing on appointing a new cabinet.

NATO fighter jets shot down a suspected Ukrainian drone over Estonia, while a similar aisrpace violation in Lithuania halted air traffic to its capital and forced its lawmakers to take shelter underground. the events marked the first interception of a foreign drone in the airspace of a Baltic state by NATO since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.

Ukraine's Escalating Drone Campaign

Ukraine has stepped up its drone attacks on Russia, including via the Baltic Sea, and several Ukrainian military drones have strayed into the airspace of NATO members Finland, Latvia, Lithuania, and Estonia. The escalation of drone attacks has raised concerns about the potential for further conflict in the region.

Who is Behind the Unnamed Buyer?

The unnamed buyer of the drones remains a mystery, but experts believe that Ukraine's military is likely behind the recent surge in drone attacks.. The Ukrainian military has been known to use drones in its operations against Russian forces, and the recent sightings in NATO airspace suggest that the country may be expanding its drone capabilities.

What auditors flagged in the May filing?

The May filing by the Latvian government highlighted concerns about the country's ability to respond to drone threats . The filing noted that the country's military was not adequately equipped to deal with the growing threat of drones, and that further investment was needed to upgrade its capabilities.