Kulbergs: downed drone proves Latvia's airspace is protected

Early on Friday, an unmanned aerial vehicle that had entered Latvian airspace from abroad was shot down over Rugāji in the Balvi region. The information was confirmed by Iveta Bērziņa, a representative of the National Armed Forces Joint Headquarters, on Latvian Television's "Rīta panorāma".

Prime Minister Kulbergs thanked the National Armed Forces and NATO allies for their swift and professional response, noting that the drone was successfully destroyed in the middle of the night. Military units are currently searching the area. According to the prime minister, the leadership is in contact with the Balvi municipality, and additional details will be provided once available.

Kulbergs said the incident is a reminder that Latvia must continue strengthening border surveillance and anti-drone capabilities along its eastern frontier, so that any potential threat can be detected, identified and neutralized as quickly as possible.

Before the drone was brought down, residents in several municipalities received mobile alerts. Shortly before 4 a.m., an orange cell broadcast warning about an air threat was sent to the Balvi, Rēzekne, Preiļi and Augšdaugava areas. After 4 a.m., a yellow warning for a possible air hazard was issued in the Alūksne district.

NATO Baltic air policing fighters were activated in response. The National Armed Forces announced on X at 4.42 a.m. that the threat was over.