Lithuania reports Russian military aircraft violated its airspace

Lithuania has reported that Russian military aircraft violated its airspace on Thursday evening, with two planes briefly crossing from the Kaliningrad region before exiting after approximately 18 seconds. The incident occurred near the border town of Kybartai, according to Lithuanian military sources, escalating tensions in the strategically sensitive Baltic region.

Aircraft Identification and NATO Response

The Lithuanian military identified the aircraft as an SU-30 fighter jet and an IL-78 refueling plane, which penetrated approximately 700 meters into Lithuanian territory. In immediate response, NATO air policing mission jets were scrambled from their Lithuanian base. Spanish Air Force Eurofighter Typhoons currently conducting NATO air patrols in the region were dispatched to the area and continue monitoring operations.

Diplomatic Protest and International Notification

Lithuania's Ministry of Foreign Affairs summoned the Russian charge d'affaires in Vilnius on Thursday evening to deliver a formal protest. A ministry statement expressed "strong protest" and demanded that Russia "immediately explain the violation of Lithuanian airspace and take all necessary measures to prevent such incidents from recurring." Vilnius has also notified NATO, European Union partners, and the North Atlantic Council through diplomatic channels.

Regional Context and Ongoing Tensions

The brief incursion occurred while the Russian aircraft were believed to be conducting refueling training operations in the Kaliningrad region. This incident adds to ongoing tensions between NATO and Russia in the Baltic area, where Western allies have significantly enhanced air policing and surveillance missions in response to increased Russian military activity near alliance borders following the Ukraine invasion.