Story perspectives

Lithuanian Jets Patrol Latvia After Russian Drone Crash

5/8/2026

Summary

Story summary

Lithuania launched fighter jets from Šiauliai to patrol Latvian airspace after two Russian drones crashed in Rezekne on May 7, damaging four oil tanks and sparking a brief fire, with the jets returning around 6 a.m.
Defense Minister Andris Spruds said the drones were likely Ukrainian weapons veered off course because of signal-jamming.
NATO’s Baltic Air Policing scrambled warplanes, summoned French jets, while authorities issued alerts, ordered residents indoors and closed schools.

History

Historical Context

After Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania entered NATO in 2004, the alliance launched the Baltic Air Policing mission, stationing fighters at Šiauliai Air Base—Lithuania’s air force headquarters that employed roughly 400 personnel in 2020. The base’s continuous Quick Reaction Alert enabled Lithuanian jets to intercept two Russian drones that hit oil tanks in Rezekne, illustrating NATO’s rapid-response posture.

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Story summary

Lithuania launched fighter jets from Šiauliai to patrol Latvian airspace after two Russian drones crashed in Rezekne on May 7, damaging four oil tanks and sparking a brief fire, with the jets returning around 6 a.m.
Defense Minister Andris Spruds said the drones were likely Ukrainian weapons veered off course because of signal-jamming.
NATO’s Baltic Air Policing scrambled warplanes, summoned French jets, while authorities issued alerts, ordered residents indoors and closed schools.

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