Lithuanian Parliament Grants Military Power to Shoot Down Unauthorized Drones in Restricted Airspace

Lithuania's parliament has passed urgent legislation expanding the military's authority to shoot down drones violating its airspace, responding to recent incursions by Russian and Belarusian drones. The new law, adopted with overwhelming parliamentary support, enables rapid military action against drones in restricted or prohibited zones upon orders from the Defense Minister or authorized officials, without requiring the drones to be armed or pose imminent danger as was previously necessary. This legislative change was prompted by multiple drone violations over the summer, including two Russian Gerbera drones, one reportedly carrying explosives, entering Lithuanian territory. The law also establishes procedures for activating restricted airspace zones and mandates civilian aircraft compliance with communication and transponder requirements in such zones. Lithuanian Defense Minister Dovilė Šakalienė emphasized that the previous legal framework was insufficient for current threats, and the revisions allow for a swift and flexible response to hostile drone activities. NATO has expressed concern over increased Russian provocations and committed to defending member states using all necessary means.