NATO Jets Down Drone Over Latvia: Second Strike This Week

NATO fighter jets have shot down a drone over Latvia for the second time in a single week, after Russian electronic warfare reportedly pushed the unmanned aircraft off course and into allied airspace. Latvia's armed forces confirmed the drone was destroyed on Friday and said there was no direct threat to the country. The exact origin of the aircraft has not been disclosed, but officials said Russian signal jamming likely caused the incursion.

What is NATO's Baltic Air Policing mission?

Since Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania joined NATO in 2004, allied fighter jets have rotated through the region to guard Baltic airspace under the Baltic Air Policing mission. After Russia's 2014 annexation of Crimea, the alliance expanded its presence with additional air bases in Estonia and Lithuania. The mission operates as a defensive Quick Reaction Alert force, scrambling jets within seconds to intercept aircraft that violate allied airspace.

The drone appeared in Latvian airspace as a result of Russian electromagnetic warfare, Latvia's National Armed Forces said in a statement. The aircraft was shot down near Rugāji in northeastern Latvia, close to the Russian border, after Italian Eurofighters based in Lithuania and Turkish F-16s based in Estonia were scrambled.

Second drone interception in one week

Friday's incident follows a similar event on Monday, when French fighter jets part of the NATO Baltic Air Policing rotation shot down a drone over Latvia. That was the first time the alliance's rapid reaction force had destroyed a stray drone in the region. The back-to-back interceptions highlight a growing pattern: Russia uses large-scale electronic warfare to jam communication signals of Ukrainian combat drones, causing unmanned aircraft to veer off their intended routes and into the airspace of neighbouring NATO countries.

Why are Ukrainian drones crossing into NATO airspace?

Ukrainian drones are frequently launched against Russian military and energy targets, including ports in the Gulf of Finland. When Russian jamming disrupts their navigation, some drones drift into NATO airspace. Earlier this year, two Ukrainian drones crashed in Latvia, apparently en route to Russian targets. None of the Baltic states has authorized its airspace to be used for attacks on Russian territory.

Recent drone incidents near NATO borders

• Monday: French jets down a drone over Latvia — first such interception by the alliance.
• Friday: NATO jets down a second drone near Rugāji, Latvia.
• Earlier in 2026: Two Ukrainian drones crashed in Latvia en route to Russian targets.
• Leipzig: A drone carrying explosives was found at the airport.
• Hannover: Unauthorized drone activity briefly halted air traffic.
• Leningrad region: Russia reports shooting down 15 drones near St Petersburg.

Rising tensions across the Baltic region

European security agencies have stepped up vigilance as unauthorized drone flights increase. In the past week, a drone carrying explosives was found at Leipzig Airport, and unauthorized drone activity briefly halted flights in Hannover. Finland has temporarily closed parts of the Baltic Sea and its airspace near the Russian border as a precaution.

Baltic neighbours of Russia have also tightened security around critical infrastructure, including dams, power plants and gas networks. Officials fear possible false flag operations in which Russia could use Ukrainian drones to attack such sites and then blame Kyiv.

FAQ

How many times has NATO shot down a drone over Latvia?

NATO jets have shot down drones over Latvia twice this week — once on Monday by French fighters and again on Friday by allied aircraft. Earlier in the year, two Ukrainian drones also crashed in Latvia without being intercepted.

Why did the drone enter Latvian airspace?

Latvian authorities said Russian electronic warfare and signal jamming caused the drone to stray from its course and enter Latvian airspace.

Which NATO aircraft were involved?

Italian Eurofighters based in Lithuania and Turkish F-16s based in Estonia were scrambled after the drone appeared near Rugāji in northeastern Latvia.

Were there any casualties or damage?

No casualties were reported. Wreckage fell in a wooded area, and an air raid alert was briefly declared in four eastern Latvian municipalities.