Turkey Deploys AWACS Plane to Lithuania Bolstering NATO Baltic Surveillance Amid Russian Airspace Violations

Turkey has deployed an advanced AWACS radar aircraft to Lithuania to strengthen NATO's air defense in the Baltic region following multiple Russian violations of NATO airspace. This aircraft, capable of detecting low-flying drones and objects that evade ground radar, was sent as a temporary mission demonstrating NATO solidarity, set to last until September 25. The deployment responds to recent incursions by Russian drones and fighter jets into the airspace of Poland, Romania, Estonia, and Lithuania, which have heightened tensions and prompted emergency NATO and UN Security Council meetings. NATO members are coordinating responses, though there are differing views on actions such as shooting down Russian aircraft, with some leaders advocating restraint and others, including President Trump, supporting a tougher stance. Military analysts interpret Russia's incursions as symbolic challenges to NATO and a rejection of the sovereignty of former Soviet states in the region, increasing regional security concerns. Turkey's actions align with broader NATO efforts, including air defense exercises and extended deployments in the Baltic states, to deter further Russian provocations.