Lithuania's Air Defense Tightens Amid Smuggling Incursions

The European Commission has expressed unwavering support for Lithuania as it faces continuous helium smuggling balloon incursions into its airspace. Commission President Ursula von der Leyen condemned the acts as a 'hybrid threat' and emphasized European solidarity on Monday.

Describing the situation as 'provocation,' von der Leyen underscored the need to expedite EU initiatives like the Eastern Flank Watch and European drone defense systems to tackle such unconventional threats.

Lithuanian Prime Minister Inga Ruginiene responded decisively by announcing plans to shoot down balloons crossing into the Baltic nation from Belarus, as these have consistently disrupted the nation's air traffic.