NATO fighters shoot down drone over Lithuania after airspace incursion

On Tuesday, July 18th, 2023, NATO fighter jets operating from Šiauliai Air Base in Lithuania identified a flock of birds as the source of an object entering restricted airspace near the country’s border. Initial observations led to the launch of these aircraft to investigate the unidentified aerial phenomenon. The situation prompted the immediate deployment of F-16 Fighting Falcons from the Lithuanian air base. Following further assessment, it was determined that the object was a drone and subsequently shot down by the NATO fighters. This incident underscores ongoing vigilance regarding potential threats to allied nations' airspace security within the Baltic region.