Latvian Army: Likely Russian Drone Entered Latvia on Sunday, Ukrainian Aircraft on Monday

Latvia's National Armed Forces (NBS) have said that two recent airspace incidents in the eastern Latgale region most likely involved a Russian drone and a Ukrainian one. The matter is significant because, while Russia's war against Ukraine continues, such incidents in Latvia may recur, and residents are warned of threats through cell broadcast alerts.

Sunday evening incident

On 1 November, NBS sensors picked up a possible foreign aircraft in Latvian airspace. At 18:57, an orange warning was issued in the Krāslava and Ludza municipalities. The army used the Latvian-made interceptor drone "Blaze" against the object, and it reached its target. At 19:16 the foreign aircraft left Latvian airspace toward Russia. Because the interceptor could have flown into Russian airspace and, for technical reasons, could not be returned to its launch site, its operator had it self-destruct. The warning was lifted at 19:30.

After analysing data and consulting Ukrainian partners, the NBS concluded that the aircraft was most likely a Russian Geran-type drone. Skrauč said the available information does not show whether it was a decoy or carried a warhead.

Night into Monday

An airspace threat was detected ten minutes after midnight, and a warning was issued in the Balvi and Ludza municipalities. Two interceptor drones were launched, and NATO Baltic Air Policing fighter jets were also activated. The army believes the object most likely crashed on its own in the Balvi municipality. One interceptor returned to its takeoff position, while the other was self-destructed for safety reasons.

Since Tuesday morning, Zemessardze (National Guard) units and NBS drones have been searching for the object, but no debris has been found so far. It is therefore unknown whether it was explosive. Indications suggest it was most likely a Ukrainian armed forces unmanned aircraft, but whether it was an attack drone or a decoy can be judged only once debris is found.

The "Blaze" system

Bērziņš said "Blaze" is one of the most innovative solutions in NBS service, where it has been for about six months. The NBS is still learning to use it effectively. Although it did not hit the drones in either case, the army assesses that the system has proven effective and practical.

The NBS urges anyone who sees a suspicious object or debris not to approach or touch it, and to call the emergency number 112 immediately.