Lithuania says drone sighting turns out to be flock of birds, after NATO summons jets

Live updates

1. 58m ago

   NATO jets shoot down drone in Lithuanian airspace

   NATO fighter jets shot down a drone that entered Lithuanian airspace overnight, according to President Gitanas Nausėda and other officials. The incident occurred shortly after NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte warned that strikes near alliance territory would lead to increased support for Kyiv. This engagement follows a separate air alert on September 13, 2026, where a potential drone sighting was initially dismissed as a flock of birds after a brief closure of Vilnius Airport.

   Why it matters

   The shootdown occurs amid rising tensions along NATO's northeastern flank. These airborne security incidents highlight the volatility of the Baltic region.

   What is confirmed

   • NATO fighter jets shot down a drone that entered Lithuanian airspace.
   • President Gitanas Nausėda announced the drone was shot down.

   What to watch next

   • Identification of the drone's origin or operator
   • Official NATO statement on the drone's flight path
   Sources used for this update (3)

   1. www.nbcnews.com — NATO jets down drone over Lithuania; Russian frigate fires flares at Danish helicopter
   2. www.aerotime.aero — NATO fighters shoot down drone over Lithuania after airspace incursion
   3. www.stripes.com — NATO shoots down drone over Lithuania as Baltic tensions mount
   confidence 100%
2. 1d ago

   Lithuania identifies drone alert as flock of birds after NATO jet scramble

   Lithuanian authorities issued an all-clear after determining that a potential drone sighting on September 13, 2026, was actually a flock of birds. The incident triggered an air alert that shut down Vilnius Airport for 38 minutes. In response to the sighting, NATO fighters launched from Siauliai to investigate the airspace. The jets identified the birds, leading officials to lift the alert and reopen the airport.

   Why it matters

   Lithuania shares borders with Belarus and the Russian exclave of Kaliningrad, making its airspace a sensitive zone for military activity. Recent tensions in the region have increased vigilance regarding unauthorized drone flights.

   What is confirmed

   • Vilnius Airport closed for 38 minutes on September 13, 2026, due to a potential drone sighting.
   • NATO jets launched from Siauliai to investigate the air alert.
   • Lithuanian authorities determined the sighting was a flock of birds and issued an all-clear.

   Still unconfirmed

   • An unknown object flew from Belarus to Russia's Kaliningrad region through Lithuania.

   What to watch next

   • Official military report on the nature of the air alert
   • Statements from NATO regarding the scramble operation
   Sources used for this update (11)

   1. Reuters — Lithuania says drone sighting turns out to be flock of birds, after NATO summons jets
   2. The Times of Israel — Lithuania closes Vilnius airport, NATO summons jets in response to possible drone
   3. Sky News — Drone alert over Lithuania turns out to be flock of birds - as NATO jet scrambled
   4. The Independent — Nato jet scrambled to Lithuania ‘drone sighting’ turns out to be flock of birds
   5. LRT — Lithuanian authorities issue all-clear following earlier potential drone sighting
   6. Українські Національні Новини (УНН) — Russian drones were flying to attack Ukraine, but due to electronic warfare, they ended up in Lithuania, says the army commander
   7. LRT — Lithuania issues possible air alert warning over potential drone sighting
   8. Мілітарний — Unknown Object Flew From Belarus to Russia’s Kaliningrad Region Through Lithuania
   9. АНТИКОР — "Shahed" violated Lithuania’s airspace: the country declared an alert • ANTIKOR portal
   10. reform.news — Possible Drone Reported in Lithuanian Airspace
   11. www.aerotime.aero — NATO jets scramble over Lithuania, find flock of birds behind Vilnius alert
   confidence 90%