Archive · 15 Sep 2026
Russian Drone Incidents Test NATO's Baltic Defence Readiness
Two drone incidents were reported near NATO countries in the Baltic region.
One suspected Russian drone was found near Poland's coast.
Officials are examining it to learn more about what happened.
A different drone entered Lithuanian airspace.
NATO fighter jets shot that drone down.
The report says the drone looked like a Gerbera-type aircraft.
Lithuania's president said NATO forces must stay ready.
He connected that readiness to Russia's continuing aggression against Ukraine.
A Russian drone was spotted off Poland's Baltic Sea coast near Rusinowo.
Poland's defence minister said officials are inspecting the suspected drone.
Footage reportedly showed a Gerbera-type drone with Latin markings and a damaged nose.
NATO fighter jets shot down another drone that entered Lithuanian airspace near Pratkunai.
Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda said NATO readiness is vital amid Russia's intensifying aggression against Ukraine.
- Who
- A suspected Russian drone, NATO fighter jets, Polish officials, and Lithuanian authorities were involved; Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda commented.
- What
- One drone was spotted near Poland, while another entered Lithuanian airspace and was shot down by NATO fighter jets.
- Where
- Near Rusinowo on Poland's Baltic Sea coast and near Pratkunai in Lithuania.
- Why
- Nauseda said NATO readiness is vital amid Russia's intensifying aggression against Ukraine; the specific reason for the drone incidents was not established.
- Polish location
- Near the village of Rusinowo on the Baltic Sea coast
- Lithuanian location
- Near Pratkunai, in Lithuanian airspace
- First incident
- A suspected Russian drone was spotted and is undergoing official inspection
- Drone description
- Footage appeared to show a Gerbera-type unmanned aircraft with Latin markings and a torn-off nose section
- Second incident
- NATO fighter jets shot down a drone that entered Lithuanian airspace
- Security context
- Gitanas Nauseda cited Russia's intensifying aggression against Ukraine
- Reported motive
- No specific motive for either drone incident was given