• Military Menu                       

• Introduction
• Systems
• Facilities
• Agencies
• Industry
• Operations
• Countries
• Hot Documents
• News
• Reports
• Policy
• Budget
• Congress
• Links

• WMD
• Intelligence
• Homeland Security
• Space

Minister Budrys discussed air defence and anti-drone capability enhancement with NATO chief over the phone

Republic of Lithuania - Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Updated 2025-08-06

Today, on August 6, the Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs, Kęstutis Budrys, had a telephone conversation with the Secretary General of NATO, Mark Rutte. The conversation focused on the security situation in the region, recent drone incidents in Lithuania and the necessary measures to ensure the security of NATO airspace.

During the conversation, the Minister emphasized that the increasing number of cases of Russian drones violating NATO borders demonstrates a dangerous trend. According to Minister Budrys, urgent and decisive NATO actions are needed to strengthen anti-drone and air defence capabilities of NATO's eastern flank.

"The consequences of Russia's war against Ukraine extend beyond the borders of NATO countries. Russian drones directed towards Ukraine and strayed off the course enter NATO territory, posing a threat to civilians and critical infrastructure. This is not just a matter of security for Lithuania or other allies on the front lines; it is a shared security challenge for the Alliance as a whole. There is an urgent need to boost drone detection and neutralisation and air defence capabilities of NATO's eastern flank,' the Minister said.

Budrys stressed that our adversaries are closely monitoring NATO's reaction to similar incidents. Thus, the response must be clear and unambiguous, and show that NATO will defend every centimeter of its territory, both on the ground and in the air.