Two Russian military aircraft entered Lithuanian airspace for about 18 seconds on Thursday, the Lithuanian military reported. Officials identified the aircraft as an Su-30 fighter jet and an Il-78 refuelling tanker. Both appeared to be conducting a refuelling training mission when they crossed from Russia’s Kaliningrad region into NATO territory around 1600 CET.
Spanish Eurofighter Typhoon jets from NATO’s Baltic Air Police immediately scrambled and began patrolling the area. Lithuania’s President Gitanas Nausėda condemned the intrusion on X, calling it a “blatant breach of international law and territorial integrity.” He said Lithuania must respond firmly to the provocation. Moscow has not commented on the incident.
NATO Warns Moscow After Series of Airspace Breaches
NATO and the European Union remain on alert after a series of recent airspace violations attributed to Russia. The alliance warned Moscow in late September that it would use all available means to prevent future intrusions.
The warning followed multiple incidents, including the downing of Russian drones over Poland and reports of Russian fighter jets entering Estonian airspace. On 10 September, Poland experienced its first direct encounter with Russia since the start of the Ukraine invasion in 2022. Estonia reported three Russian MiG-31 jets flying unauthorized through its skies for 12 minutes, an accusation the Kremlin denied.
European leaders expressed growing concern about NATO’s readiness amid escalating Russian aggression. In a statement, the alliance vowed to use every lawful military and non-military tool to defend its members from threats in all directions.
Growing Drone Threats Across Northern Europe
After Russian drones allegedly crossed into Polish airspace, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte launched the Eastern Sentry programme to deter further incursions and reinforce solidarity with Poland. Rutte said allies stand united against any aggression and will defend every NATO member’s sovereignty.
Drone-related disruptions have also affected Denmark and Norway. On 23 September, Denmark’s Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen said Russian involvement could not be dismissed after Copenhagen Airport shut down for several hours due to drone sightings. The Kremlin rejected the accusation as “unfounded.”
A day earlier, Oslo Airport closed for three hours following similar drone reports. Norway’s government said Russia violated its airspace three times in 2025 but could not confirm whether the latest incident was deliberate or a navigation error. Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre condemned the repeated intrusions, declaring them unacceptable under any circumstances.
