Lithuanian authorities are continuing to search for an unidentified drone reportedly seen and heard by numerous residents near the Belarusian border and close to Vilnius in the early hours of the morning.
The incident, which occurred around 05:00 local time, prompted an immediate response from the Ministry of Defence. By 08:30, officials confirmed that security agencies were investigating the possibility of a drone crash and attempting to locate any potential debris or crash sites.
Police confirmed that the search was ongoing and reiterated their warning for civilians to avoid approaching the drone if it is found.
“If you come across any suspicious object, do not touch or go near it – report it immediately,” a police spokesperson said.
The sighting has sparked concern among senior officials, with Justinas Argustas, adviser to the Lithuanian prime minister, announcing that a high-level meeting involving the president and national security agencies is scheduled for the following day. The agenda will focus on evaluating and improving Lithuania’s response protocols to aerial incursions.
“Experience shows that the current measures are neither effective nor sufficient,” Argustas stated.
The drone is believed to have entered Lithuanian airspace from Belarus, based on multiple eyewitness reports along the border region. The last known sighting was near Vilnius.
One bystander’s footage suggests the drone may have been a Russian-made Geran or Gerbera – variants of the Shahed-type drone used in attacks on Ukraine – although Lithuanian authorities have yet to confirm the drone’s origin or type.
A similar incident occurred on July 10 when a drone later identified as a Gerbera crossed into Lithuanian territory.
Notably, the reported sighting coincided with a Russian airstrike on Ukraine during which Poland scrambled fighter jets, a move that has become routine during large-scale aerial attacks near NATO airspace.
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Post Image – Example image of a crashed Geran-2 drone (Post Image Credit: Kazinform)
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