Lithuanian President Gitanas Nausėda said on Wednesday that Lithuania is prepared to shoot down any aircraft that violates its airspace, even if it requires the use of expensive missiles.
“The cost of the shoot-down is not our primary concern; expensive systems may be deployed to destroy an aircraft because human lives are priceless and the health of our people is our top priority,” Nausėda said following a meeting of the State Defence Council.
His remarks follow two drone incursions into Lithuanian airspace last week. Air raid alerts were issued on both occasions in response to the incidents. None of the drones that entered Lithuanian airspace, including two cases earlier this year and two last year, were shot down.
Nausėda said Lithuania aims to ensure its air defence and detection systems cover various altitudes.
“The equipment is there, and it is being intensively tested. [...] These systems must function properly, they must operate in different meteorological conditions, and they must cover both long and short ranges,” the president said.
The meeting between European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and the presidents of Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia was held in Vilnius on Tuesday, following increasing incidents in Baltic airspace.
Nausėda noted that von der Leyen affirmed the Commission’s determination to accelerate initiatives such as the EU’s Drone Wall and Eastern Flank Watch, which aim to counter similar incidents.
The president also said NATO plans for the Baltic region are not yet fully finalised, as they will depend on the deployment of US forces in Europe.
According to him, although the US is considering certain force redeployments in Europe, final decisions have not yet been made. Approximately 1,000 US troops are currently stationed in Lithuania.
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