Mysterious Drone Enters Lithuania, NATO Fighter Jets Shoot It Down

An Italian fighter jet conducting a NATO mission has shot down a drone that entered Lithuanian airspace from the direction of Belarus. The drone was carrying explosives, but investigations are ongoing to confirm its country of origin and the party responsible for its operation.

The incident occurred after midnight on Tuesday (15/09/2026). Lithuania’s National Crisis Management Centre stated that the drone entered the nation’s airspace from Belarus before being destroyed near Pratkunai Village, not far from Kaunas in central Lithuania.

Lithuanian Defence Minister Robertas Kaunas stated that the drone was carrying explosives. However, the Lithuanian government has not yet concluded that the craft belongs to Russia. Debris is being examined to determine its type, origin, and the potential operator.

“Only after the drone debris has been examined can we say clearly whether this is a Russian drone and a possible provocation, or a drone from another country,” said Kaunas, as reported by Reuters on Tuesday, 15 September 2026.

Italian Defence Minister Guido Crosetto stated that the threat