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Latvia NATO Jets Shoot Down Drone Amid Russian EW Claims

6/12/2026

Center

Latvia Intercepts Drone

Latvia’s air force intercepted a drone, highlighting NATO’s expanding role after Russian electronic-warfare disruptions over its border.
Two NATO fighter jets successfully shot down a drone that entered Latvian airspace on Monday.
Latvian officials said Russian electronic warfare caused intrusion without identifying the drone’s origin.
Moldova blamed Russia for a drone crash; Nordic-Baltic ministers said incursions stem from Russia’s war.

Left

Russia Diverts Drones

Russia is deploying GPS-jamming and spoofing system Krasukha-4 to steer Ukrainian drones into Baltic airspace.
Electronic warfare by Russia diverted Ukrainian drones over Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania and Finland, and the incursions continue.
Baltic foreign ministers rejected Moscow’s accusations, insisting the airspace has never hosted attacks on Russia.
Experts warn the tactic seeks to undermine confidence in institutions while NATO territory stays off-limits.

History

Historical Context

After Russia’s August 2008 invasion of Georgia, Moscow staged the large-scale “Caucasus 2008” drills involving about 700 pieces of hardware, while NATO ran the “Immediate Response 2008” exercise in Georgia. The parallel maneuvers heightened Baltic security worries, prompting Latvia, Estonia and NATO to expand air-defence patrols against Russian drone activity in the contested airspace.

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Latvia Intercepts Drone

Latvia’s air force intercepted a drone, highlighting NATO’s expanding role after Russian electronic-warfare disruptions over its border.
Two NATO fighter jets successfully shot down a drone that entered Latvian airspace on Monday.
Latvian officials said Russian electronic warfare caused intrusion without identifying the drone’s origin.
Moldova blamed Russia for a drone crash; Nordic-Baltic ministers said incursions stem from Russia’s war.

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