Latvia News & Analysis

NATO Shoots Down Drone in Latvia Amid Russian Warfare Claims

NATO fighters shot down a drone over Latvia on Friday, linked to 'Russian electromagnetic warfare,' according to Latvian armed forces. The incident resulted in airspace alerts and occurred in the Balvi region, with alerts lifted by 4:50 a.m. local time. Finland temporarily restricted airspace in the eastern Gulf of Finland as a precaution but reported no drone incursions. Latvia's Prime Minister Andris Kulbergs emphasized the need to strengthen surveillance and anti-drone capabilities in response to such threats, particularly given the geopolitical tensions stemming from the ongoing war in Ukraine.