Lithuania has raised concerns over Russian aircraft infringing on its airspace, a situation that seems to be escalating recently.
On Thursday, a NATO Eurofighter Typhoon intercepted two Russian planes—a fighter jet and a tanker—near Lithuania. This interception occurred amidst ongoing NATO discussions about how to handle the growing number of incursions by various aircraft, including manned jets and drones.
Lithuanian President Gitanas Nausėda responded strongly, denouncing the incident. He labeled these actions as serious breaches of international law and Lithuania’s territorial integrity, stating, “We must respond.”
In his statement, Nausėda emphasized the need to bolster European air defenses. Recently, there has been discussion surrounding a “European Drone Wall,” which is seen as a measure to create a unified air defense system capable of addressing lower-intensity threats from Russia.
However, this proposal hasn’t gone unchallenged. German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius cautioned that an intense focus on drones might divert attention from larger threats, like the need for air defenses against fighter jets. He expressed that “a rock-solid drone wall that can never be broken through is unrealistic,” highlighting the complexity of defense strategies.
The question of whether NATO countries could shoot down Russian jets entering their airspace has sparked serious discussions, especially following the downing of several large Russian drones over Poland last month.
NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte also addressed this issue in Washington, D.C., indicating that although shooting down Russian jets is a possibility, they would primarily be intercepted and guided out unless they were a direct threat.
“This isn’t a new situation; similar incidents occurred during the Soviet era and continue under President Putin,” Rutte commented, stressing that it needs to end. He clarified that NATO could intercept and potentially shoot down aircraft if necessary, but otherwise would escort them out of their airspace safely.
While some NATO members voice urgent concerns over Russia’s actions, with Poland declaring a deliberate assault, Prime Minister Rutte opted for a more nuanced stance. He noted, regarding recent drone and jet flights, “As far as we can tell, it was unintentional, but in any case it was reckless and unacceptable.”
