Politics Drone alert in Latvia: flying object crosses airspace
In the Baltic states, the armed forces of EU and NATO member Latvia have informed residents about a possible threat from a drone in the east of the country. The flying object had entered the airspace in the morning and then left it again, the armed forces announced. NATO fighter jets were activated, it said, without providing further details. In the past, there have already been explosions caused by drone incidents on Latvian territory.
17.05.2026, 11:52
SDA
"As long as the Russian aggression in Ukraine continues, it is possible that incidents of foreign drones entering or approaching Latvian airspace will occur again," the military added. The airspace is constantly monitored and, together with NATO allies, a rapid response to threat situations is guaranteed.
This month, a barely used oil storage facility with empty tanks was hit in Rezekne in the east of the country. In the incident, two misguided Ukrainian drones crashed near the Russian border. No one was injured. The incident triggered a political crisis in the country, with first Defense Minister Andris Spruds and then Prime Minister Evika Silina resigning.
In the course of the war in Ukraine, there had already been several drone incidents in the airspace of the country, which borders Russia and Belarus. Silina had therefore accused Spruds of failing to defend against drones.
