Air defense should be a NATO priority this fall - Lithuanian minister

VILNIUS - With drone incidents recurring in NATO's eastern member states, strengthening air defense should be one of the Alliance's top priorities this fall, Lithuanian Defense Minister Dovile Sakaliene said on Tuesday.

"National measures are not enough. We need to ensure protection of our skies in peacetime and ensure transition to full air defense if a crisis happens. This should be a priority discussion for NATO this fall," Sakaliene told a news conference.

"A discussion is needed on what else could be done in response to air defense issues and drone-related threats, which are essentially happening along the entire (NATO external) border," she said.

According to the minister, allies should aim to clearly define their air defense capabilities and train in exercises to counter new threats arising from incidents involving drones.

In September, Sakaliene will meet in Vilnius with General Alexus Grynkewich, NATO's Supreme Allied Commander Europe, to discuss strengthening air defense against drones.

Earlier this month, the minister said she had agreed with the NATO commander that the Alliance would get involved in protecting Lithuania's airspace.

Lithuania is taking steps to strengthen its anti-drone defense after two Russian-made Gerbera drones crossed into the country from Belarus in July. One of them was carrying two kilograms of explosives.

Military officials believe both drones entered Lithuanian airspace after their flight paths were diverted by electronic warfare systems as Russia sent them towards Ukraine.

Following the drone incidents, Lithuania's defense and foreign ministers sent a joint letter to NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, urging allies to deploy counter-drone capabilities in the country.

Lithuania, for its part, plans to purchase additional air defense capabilities worth 500 million euros.