The defence ministers of Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia have called for accelerating efforts to strengthen air defence. Recent incidents involving the سقوط of unmanned aerial vehicles have confirmed the need for increased investment in air defence systems in these countries.
This was reported on the website of Latvia’s Ministry of Defence.
“Latvia, Estonia and Lithuania, are taking resolute steps with prioritizing our air defence development. However, recent incidents fuelled by Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine, demonstrate the importance to further strengthen multi-layered air defence,” the statement reads.
As the ministers noted, this week several foreign unmanned aerial vehicles entered NATO airspace over the Baltic states and “struck our land/territory.” Fortunately, no civilians were injured and damage to infrastructure was minimal. The officials also highlighted the professionalism of allied forces participating in NATO’s air policing mission, which helps maintain the security of the region’s airspace.
“While the investigation is underway to determine all relevant details and circumstances, we remain steadfast in our support to Ukraine’s defensive operations against Russia and Ukraine’s legitimate right to self-defence,” the statement said.
It is also noted that the incidents of recent days demonstrate the need to continue improving readiness and investing in defence capabilities. The Baltic states already allocate at least 5% of their gross domestic product to defence, prioritising air defence capabilities, drone and counter-drone systems, as well as the development of acoustic sensors.
“These incidents further underscore the relevance of our application for the EU funding available under the European Defence Projects of Common Interest initiative. We stress the need to significantly scale up and earmark EU defence funding in the long-term, including for strengthening its eastern border through initiatives such as Eastern Flank Watch and a European Drone Defence Initiative,’” the ministers stressed.
