German fighter jets to help protect Latvian airspace during parliamentary election

Germany's armed forces will assist in protecting Latvia's airspace in the coming weeks to ensure the parliamentary election, set for early October, proceeds securely, the German Ministry of Defence announced.

The move follows a request from Latvia's government for additional allied support in airspace protection. Riga turned to its partners after repeated violations of Baltic airspace by unidentified drones were recorded in recent weeks and months.

Heightened concern ahead of the vote

The recurring airspace breaches have raised security concerns across the region, particularly with the upcoming parliamentary election approaching. Latvian authorities consider the extra military support necessary to rule out potential threats during the voting process.

Germany has responded to the request and will send Bundeswehr fighter jets to take part in monitoring and defending the airspace, alongside NATO allied forces already stationed in the region. The report did not specify the number of aircraft or where they will be based.

The Baltic states have repeatedly reported the appearance of drones of unknown origin in their airspace in recent times, adding further tension to the security situation in a region where NATO already maintains a reinforced presence.