Latvia Urges NATO to Strengthen Baltic Air Defence Amid Russian Incursions

Latvian President Edgars Rinkevics has called on NATO to strengthen air defense measures in the Baltic States following repeated violations of allied airspace by Russian aircraft and drones. He urged the transformation of the current Baltic air policing mission into a full air defense mission with updated rules of engagement to counter ongoing provocations, including incursions over Poland and Estonia. Lithuania has echoed these concerns, proposing the addition of ground-based air defense assets and enhanced detection capabilities. Despite NATO's current air policing presence since 2004 and the launch of Operation Eastern Sentry to bolster eastern flank defenses, Baltic leaders argue that more robust protection is necessary. Russia denies allegations of airspace violations, but tensions remain high as NATO exercises demonstrate readiness amid these challenges. NATO's consensus-based decision-making process has so far delayed a formal response to these requests for mission changes.