Defense Minister: Drone shot down to protect Latvian residents
NATO Baltic Air Policing fighters shot down a drone that had entered Latvian airspace in Rugāji parish on Friday morning. Defense Minister Raivis Melnis said the decision was made to prevent harm to residents.
On Friday morning, NATO Baltic Air Policing mission fighters shot down an unmanned aerial vehicle that had entered Latvian airspace in Rugāji parish. Defense Minister Raivis Melnis announced that the decision to shoot down the drone was made to ensure it would not cause harm to Latvian residents.
The minister stated that the downing was necessary in response to the drone's entry into the country's airspace. He emphasized that the priority was the safety of people and that the decision aimed to prevent any potential threat the aircraft could pose to residents. Melnis explained that this course of action was chosen to provide protection against the risks posed by the drone.
The incident occurred in the early morning. Fighters from the NATO Baltic Air Policing mission, which are stationed in Latvia to protect allied airspace, spotted the drone and made the decision to shoot it down. The decision was made so that the aircraft could not cause harm. Melnis confirmed that the decision was based on the need to protect Latvian residents.
The defense minister noted that the decision was taken to prevent harm to Latvian residents. He stressed that the downing was carried out in accordance with the requirements of the situation, and the main task was to ensure that the drone did not hurt people.
