<p>Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda announced that NATO fighter jets shot down a drone in Lithuanian airspace on September 14, 2026. This incident occurs amid heightened tensions related to the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict.</p>
<p>Nauseda did not specify the origin of the drone but suggested a connection to Russia. The Lithuanian Defense Ministry expressed gratitude to Italian pilots for their prompt action in neutralizing the threat.</p>
<p>“A drone that just entered Lithuanian airspace was destroyed by NATO fighter jets. I thank Allied personnel for their swift response,” Nauseda stated in a post on X.</p>
<p>He further remarked, “With Russia intensifying its aggression against Ukraine, such readiness is vital for our region. Together with our NATO Allies, Lithuania will defend its airspace.”</p>
<p>Vilmantas Vitkauskas, head of Lithuania’s National Crisis Management Center, confirmed on LRT radio that the drone had crossed into Lithuanian territory from Belarus.</p>
<p>The drone was reportedly downed near a village close to the Kruonis Pumped Storage Plant, which is responsible for 94% of Lithuania’s total energy reserves needed for emergencies.</p>
<p>Last month, the Lithuanian Defense Ministry had warned that Russia might redirect Ukrainian drones to target critical infrastructure, including the Kruonis Pumped Storage Plant, the Klaipeda LNG terminal, the LitPol Link electricity interconnector, and a major transformer substation in the Alytus district.</p>
<p>Lithuanian air defenses have been particularly vigilant recently. On the previous day, an alert was issued after radar detected suspicious targets near Vilnius Airport, leading to the diversion of three flights. These targets were later identified as a flock of birds.</p>
<p>The Baltic states, known for their strong stance against Russia, have become increasingly concerned about potential spillover from the war in Ukraine.</p>
<p>In May, two Ukrainian drones, likely intended for Russia, entered Latvian airspace, resulting in one striking an empty fuel storage tank and the other landing harmlessly. This incident led to criticism of the Latvian government's response, which was deemed delayed and inadequate, ultimately resulting in the collapse of the government.</p>