Ministers of Defence of Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia issued a joint statement this week on the increasing amount of drone incidents in the region incited by the Russian war against Ukraine. It underlies that Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia are taking resolute action to prioritise development of air defence capabilities.
“Talks and statements will not defend us against drones, we need to put pressure on NATO and the EU. We have remember that Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia defend the eastern border of the European Union and the eastern flank of NATO,” said Minister of National Defence Robertas Kaunas who is the initiator of the Joint Statement of the Baltic Defence Ministers.
Several unmanned aerial vehicles crossed over into NATO airspace over the past few days and detonated. Fortunately, no civilian casualties occurred and infrastructure suffered only minute damage.
And while the investigation is still underway to determine all circumstances, Ministers confirmed that the drones crashed in the Baltic states belonged to the Armed Forces of Ukraine and were a part of the defensive operations against Russia.
Baltic Ministers stress in the statement that the recent incidents signalled of an urgent necessity to continue strengthening readiness and to invest in strengthening defence capabilities.
“The Baltic states commit 5% of GDP for defence. We prioritise acquisitions of air defence systems, development of drone and counter-drone systems, and integration of acoustic sensors,” the statement reads.
Ministers also note the value of NATO’s Eastern Sentry mission.
“While NATO’s mission Eastern Sentry has clearly demonstrated its value, NATO’s efforts to strengthen air defence, including countering drones, must be accelerated. Allies must urgently reinforce the capabilities required for effective detection and interception. The current presence of NATO aircraft and air defence systems in the Baltic states must be maintained and furthered strengthened to counter all air threats, including unmanned aerial vehicles,” it further says.
The incidents once again underline the importance of the Baltic states’ application for EU funding under the European Defence Projects of Common Interest initiative. Ministers underscored the necessity to significantly increase and specifically commit the EU defence funding, including for strengthening security of the eastern border through initiatives like Eastern Flank Watch and European Drone Defence.
Ministers also noted the excellent coordination and information exchange carried out by the relevant institutions of their countries. It was agreed to continue the top-level coordination.
Joint Statement
We, Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania, are taking resolute steps with prioritizing our air defence development. But recent incidents fuelled by Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine, demonstrate the importance to further strengthen multi-layered air defence.
This week several foreign unmanned aerial vehicles have crossed the NATO airspace in the Baltic states and struck our soil. Fortunately, no civilians were injured, and the damage to infrastructure was minimal. We commend the professionalism of Allies contributing to NATO´s Air Policing Mission that helps to preserve the security of our airspace.
While the investigation is underway to determine all relevant details and circumstances, we remain steadfast in our support to Ukraine’s defensive operations against Russia and Ukraine’s legitimate right to self-defence.
These incidents highlight an urgent need to continue enhancing our preparedness and investing in defence capabilities. The Baltic states are investing at least 5% of GDP in defence. We prioritize procurement of air defence capabilities and development of drone and counter-drone systems, as well as acoustic sensors.
We commend the excellent information exchange among relevant parties. Our joint coordination continues at the highest level.
While NATO’s mission Eastern Sentry has clearly demonstrated its value, NATO’s efforts to strengthen air defence, including countering drones, must be accelerated. Allies must urgently reinforce the capabilities required for effective detection and interception. The current presence of NATO aircraft and air defence systems in the Baltic states must be maintained and furthered strengthened to counter all air threats, including unmanned aerial vehicles.
These incidents further underscore the relevance of our application for the EU funding available under the European Defence Projects of Common Interest initiative. We stress the need to significantly scale up and earmark EU defence funding in the long-term, including for strengthening its eastern border through initiatives such as Eastern Flank Watch and a European Drone Defence Initiative.
