NATO jets scramble over Lithuania, find flock of birds behind Vilnius alert

On June 25, 2023, NATO fighter jets were scrambled from Šiauliai Air Base in response to an alert near Vilnius Airport in Lithuania. Initial radar indications prompted the launch of aircraft investigating a potential unidentified object. The jets identified a large flock of birds as the source of the alarm and the reason for the airport’s alert. This incident involved multiple F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft participating in the rapid response operation. Lithuanian authorities confirmed that no unauthorized objects or threats were detected during the exercise.