RIGA – Latvian President Edgars Rinkevics has called on NATO to strengthen its protection of the Baltic States in response to repeated Russian violations of alliance airspace, echoing similar demands from neighboring Lithuania.
Speaking at a meeting of NATO’s military committee in Riga on Saturday, Rinkevics condemned Moscow for a continued pattern of provocations, highlighting recent reckless incursions into the airspace of Poland and Estonia. He urged NATO to upgrade its Baltic air policing mission to a full-fledged Baltic air defence mission with clear rules of engagement.
NATO has confirmed multiple instances of Russian incursions, including drone attacks over Polish airspace that resulted in NATO jets shooting down several Russian drones earlier this month. Estonia reported that three Russian MiG-31 fighter jets violated its airspace for 12 minutes before NATO fighters intervened to escort them out.
Lithuanian Defence Minister Dovile Sakaliene also revealed that Vilnius has prepared a position paper advocating for a mission upgrade that would include enhanced capabilities like ground-based air defense systems, sensors, and detectors.
However, Admiral Giuseppe Cavo Dragone, chair of the NATO military committee, cautioned that it is too early for a decision on changing the air policing mandate as investigations into the recent incidents remain ongoing. He acknowledged that such a step could be considered depending on final assessments.
Russia has denied the allegations, disputing the airspace violations over Estonia and asserting that its drones had no targets within Poland.
Since 2004, NATO jets have patrolled Baltic skies, ready to intercept intrusions near alliance borders. Following the drone incidents in Poland, NATO launched “Eastern Sentry,” an operation aimed at reinforcing defenses along its eastern flank. Still, Baltic officials insist that additional protections are urgently needed.
This call by Baltic leaders reflects growing concerns over regional security and the escalating tensions between NATO and Russia amid ongoing conflict in Ukraine.