Latvia urges NATO to counter Russian drones like Ukraine
Photo: President of Latvia Edgars Rinkēvičs (Getty Images)
The President of Latvia, Edgars Rinkēvičs, stated that Latvia calls on NATO to create an air defense mission in the Baltics. The Alliance countries were also offered to fight Russian drones using Ukraine’s methods, according to Delfi.
Rinkēvičs made the corresponding statement in Riga at the NATO Military Committee Conference at the level of the commanders of the armed forces. This is the first meeting of the NATO Military Committee in Latvia.
The President of Latvia emphasized that the increase in defense spending is a challenge both for each country and for Europe as a whole.
"This is not about Excel spreadsheets or political slogans, but about real capabilities needed by armies, navies and air forces to counter both new and traditional threats. […] Russia is a long-term threat to Euro-Atlantic security and is testing Europe and NATO in every possible way," he said.
Rinkēvičs emphasized that the best way to protect NATO countries is deterrence, but it must be effective. According to him, Latvia will soon be ready to allocate 5% of GDP to defense.
The leader also recalled that Latvia, as a neighbor of Russia and Belarus, understands its responsibility for strengthening the external border of NATO and the EU. This also means constant counteraction to illegal migration.
Rinkēvičs called for transforming the patrolling of Baltic airspace into an air defense mission and for utilizing technological solutions to counter drones, drawing on Ukraine’s experience.
Violation of airspace in Europe
It should be recalled that on September 19, three Russian MiG-31 fighter jets entered Estonian airspace and remained there for 12 minutes. After this, the Estonian government requested that NATO apply Article 4 of the North Atlantic Treaty.
Additionally, Poland reported that on September 19, https://newsukraine.rbc.ua/news/in-addition-to-estonia-russian-fighters-trespass-1758310625.html
of the Petrobaltic drilling platform in the Baltic Sea.
It is also worth noting that on the night of September 23, unknown drones were detected in the sky over Norway. Additionally, on the evening of September 22, work at Copenhagen Airport was halted due to drones.
According to media reports, suspicious drones were spotted near Sweden’s main naval base.
