The Latvian National Armed Forces reported an unidentified drone entered the country’s airspace on the morning of May 17. The alert was raised around 6 AM, prompting NATO fighter jets stationed for Baltic air patrols to be deployed along with activated air defense units.
While the military did not specify the drone’s origin, eyewitness videos suggest it may have been of Ukrainian origin. According to Latvian military sources, the drone later exited the country’s airspace, and the alert was lifted by approximately 8 AM.
In response to the incident, the National Armed Forces announced an enhancement of air defense systems along the eastern border by deploying additional units. This incident follows a backdrop of intense drone warfare between Ukraine and Russia, with reports indicating Ukraine deployed over 500 drones while Russia launched nearly 300 in a series of attacks on the same night.
Last week, Latvia experienced a political crisis following the crash of two Ukrainian drones on its territory, one of which landed on an oil depot in Rezekne. This incident led to the resignation of Latvia’s Minister of Defense and the Prime Minister along with their government.
The Ukrainian Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that the drones may have inadvertently crossed into Latvia due to Russian electronic warfare capabilities.
An unidentified drone entered Latvian airspace on May 17, prompting a military response. This incident follows previous drone crashes in Latvia, which have led to political upheaval and heightened tensions in the region.