The potential threat to Latvian airspace in the municipalities of Krāslava, Ludza, Rēzekne, Preiļi, Madona, Cēsis, Gulbene, Smiltene, and Valmiera has been lifted, the Latvian National Armed Forces announced.
NATO air policing mission fighter jets were activated in Baltic airspace.
Earlier, the National Armed Forces had reported that the potential threat to Latvian airspace remained in the municipalities of Krāslava and Ludza, while it had already been lifted in Rēzekne, Preiļi, Madona, Cēsis, Gulbene, Smiltene, and Valmiera.
Due to the potential airspace threat declared by the National Armed Forces in several municipalities of the Latgale region, the 9th grade centralized Latvian language examination was interrupted in the municipalities of Krāslava, Preiļi, Ludza, Madona, and Rēzekne. The second part of the exam will be organized during the additional examination session on June 9 this year.
The Estonian Armed Forces reported that on the 19th of May, an unmanned aerial vehicle was detected in Estonian airspace, most likely having deviated from its originally planned route due to electronic interference.
In response to the situation,
allied air forces participating in the NATO air policing mission carried out the prescribed response measures,
and the drone was neutralized in the territory of Põltsamaa Parish.
Responsible services are working at the scene, while the assessment of the incident and the implementation of security measures are ongoing.
Together with NATO allies, the Latvian National Armed Forces continuously monitor the airspace to ensure the ability to respond immediately to potential threats. The National Armed Forces have strengthened air defense capabilities along the eastern border by deploying additional units.
As long as Russia’s aggression against Ukraine continues, similar incidents involving foreign unmanned aerial vehicles entering or approaching Latvian airspace remain possible.
Read also: Latvian language exam suspended in many parts of Latvia due to possible airspace threat