Lithuanian President Gitanas Nausėda has confirmed the incident and said the drone was shot down by NATO fighter jets after it was seen entering the country's airspace during the night of Tuesday, September 15, 2026.
According to Lithuanian authorities, the drone is believed to have entered the southern part of the country, near the city of Kaunas, one of the country's largest cities. Reports indicate that the aircraft was seen emerging from the Belarusian side shortly after midnight.
Via the X network, President Nausėda said the action to shoot down the drone was taken by NATO fighter jets that were carrying out tasks to protect Lithuanian airspace.
However, it is not yet known where the drone came from or what activity it was performing. A spokesman for Lithuania's National Emergency Management Center said authorities are still investigating to determine the source and reason for the aircraft entering the country's airspace.
Alerts were issued in the Lithuanian capital, Vilnius, and surrounding areas early Tuesday, as authorities took steps to ensure the safety of airspace and citizens.
The Lithuanian Defense Ministry said the country's military, in cooperation with Italian pilots participating in NATO's Air Defense Operation, took immediate action after detecting the aircraft's entry.
The ministry stressed that the response was swift and responsible, a move that made it possible to eliminate the threat that had been detected in Lithuanian airspace.
President Nausėda said the move was of great importance at a time when tensions in the region are rising due to the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine.
He said that strengthening defense readiness is essential for the security of Lithuania and the entire region surrounding the country.
He added that Lithuania will continue to cooperate with NATO member states in protecting its airspace and ensuring the security of the nation.
He added that Lithuania will continue to cooperate with NATO member states in protecting its airspace and ensuring the security of the nation.