Drone, Balloon Disruptions Affect Airports, Military in Seven NATO Countries

A recent wave of drone and balloon disruptions has unsettled multiple European countries, highlighting ongoing security concerns amid tensions with Russia. Dmitry Medvedev, deputy chairman of Russia's Security Council, dismissed allegations that Russia or its sympathizers are behind these incidents, instead framing them as a reminder of the dangers of war and criticizing European leaders Emmanuel Macron and Friedrich Merz for exacerbating tensions for political and financial gain. In Lithuania, nearly 25 balloons carrying contraband cigarettes entered airspace near Vilnius Airport, causing flight disruptions and raising NATO security concerns, with authorities noting Belarusian smugglers' increasing use of balloons as cheaper alternatives to drones. These events are part of a broader trend in northern Europe, where numerous drone incursions have affected airports and military bases across NATO countries, leading to heightened vigilance and new defensive measures such as authorized drone shoot-downs. The scale of airspace violations is growing, with counter-drone technology firms reporting significant increases in both hobbyist and DIY drone incursions, underscoring the complexity of the emerging threat. European governments continue to grapple with these challenges amid geopolitical tensions, while Russian officials maintain they have no intention of attacking NATO member states.