Lithuania closes Vilnius airport, NATO summons jets in response to possible drone
- On Sunday, Lithuania closed Vilnius Airport and NATO summoned a fighter jet from Siauliai after a possible drone sighting in Lithuanian airspace, the National Crisis Management Centre said.
- Authorities issued a yellow air alert across Vilnius and surrounding districts, instructing residents to locate shelters and call 112 if they saw suspicious objects, per emergency protocols.
- The NCMC confirmed the perceived drone threat was actually a flock of birds, allowing Vilnius Airport to reopen within 38 minutes after the NATO jet made visual identification.
- Despite the alert covering the capital, the Vilnius marathon continued without interruption, and officials designated the situation 'code white,' signaling residents could leave shelters.
- Countries along the Baltics' eastern edge have reported frequent drone incursions linked to the conflict stemming from Russia's 2022 full-scale invasion of Ukraine, posing persistent security challenges.
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The radar signal was first reminiscent of the drone track, and NATO fighter aircraft was picked up in the air for verification.
The Independent
The Independent (US)Nato jet scrambled to Lithuania ‘drone sighting’ turns out to be flock of birds
The sighting prompted the closure of Vilinus airport but the alert was lifted after 38 minutes
The airport reopened after about an hour, according to the crisis management center.
Lithuania Sounds Air Alert Over Suspected Drone Threat Near Vilnius
Lithuania issued an air alert over a possible drone threat near Vilnius on September 13, temporarily suspending flights at the country’s main international airport as authorities investigated the suspected aerial object.
Lithuania closed Vilnius airport on Sunday and NATO mobilised at least one fighter aircraft in response to a possible observation of a drone in Lithuania's airspace, the National Crisis Management Centre in the country said.
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