Latvia is expanding airspace restrictions along its borders with Russia and Belarus in response to NATO recommendations. Starting October 8, partial closures will be in effect at night—from 20:00 to 7:00—until further notice, according to the Latvian Ministry of Defense.
Defense Minister Andris Spruds explained that the decision is linked to recent airspace violations in other NATO countries and aims to strengthen Latvia’s capabilities for monitoring aerial activity. He noted that the restrictions allow the National Armed Forces to conduct detailed surveillance, model drone usage and counter-drone operations, and deploy and train mobile combat units.
The extended restrictions are part of NATO’s “Eastern Vigilance” programme, aimed at enhancing monitoring and coordination on the alliance’s eastern flank. During the national defense exercises “Namejs 2025,” Latvia’s air defense units are on heightened alert, ready to intercept and neutralize drones launched by potential adversaries. NATO’s air patrol mission has also been reinforced, and new acoustic monitoring systems have been deployed along the eastern border.
Over the past year, Latvia has updated regulations to allow rapid closure of airspace in threatened areas in coordination with the Latvian Air Navigation Service, improving flight management in the eastern part of the country. Previously, a fragment of a Russian Heron drone was found on the Latvian coast, which, although not dangerous, required National Armed Forces units to inspect the area and neutralize potential threats.
