Possible Airspace Threat Reported in Eastern Latvia; NATO Baltic Air Policing Fighters Activated

LATVIA — Latvia’s National Armed Forces reported a possible threat in the country’s airspace over the Kraslava, Ludza, Balvi, and Rezekne municipalities in the eastern Latgale region on May 14.

The military stated that it is continuously monitoring the airspace together with NATO allies to ensure immediate response capability to potential threats. Additional air defense units have been deployed to strengthen capabilities along the eastern border.

The Latvian Armed Forces noted that, “As long as Russia’s aggression in Ukraine continues, such incidents, where a foreign unmanned aerial vehicle enters or approaches Latvia’s airspace, are possible”.

Public safety instructions were issued via cell broadcast alerts to residents in the affected municipalities.

Airspace Alert and Public Guidance

The Latvian Armed Forces explicitly identified the municipalities of Kraslava, Ludza, Balvi, and Rezekne as areas under possible airspace threat.

Cell broadcast alerts instructed residents to seek shelter indoors, close windows and doors, and follow the two-wall principle for protection.

Residents were advised not to approach any low-flying, suspicious, or dangerous object and to call emergency services at 112 if observed. The military stated it would inform the public about the end of the threat.

Official Statements

• “Possible threat in Latvia’s airspace. The National Armed Forces report that there is a possible threat in Latvia’s airspace in the Kraslava, Ludza, Balvi, and Rezekne municipalities. The National Armed Forces, together with NATO allies, continuously monitor the airspace to ensure the ability to respond immediately to potential threats. The National Armed Forces have strengthened air defense capabilities on the eastern border by deploying additional units. As long as Russia’s aggression in Ukraine continues, such incidents, where a foreign unmanned aerial vehicle enters or approaches Latvia’s airspace, are possible. For the attention of residents! Seek shelter indoors, close windows and doors - follow the two-wall principle. If you notice a low-flying, suspicious, or dangerous object, do not approach it and call 112. We will inform you about the end of the threat.” - National Armed Forces of Latvia, May 14

• “Iespējams apdraudējums Latvijas gaisa telpā. Nacionālie bruņotie spēki informē, ka iespējams apdraudējums Latvijas gaisa telpā Krāslavas, Ludzas, Balvu un Rēzeknes novados. Nacionālie bruņotie spēki kopā ar NATO sabiedrotajiem pastāvīgi monitorē gaisa telpu, lai nodrošinātu spēju nekavējoši reaģēt uz potenciālu apdraudējumu. Nacionālie bruņotie spēki ir pastiprinājuši pretgaisa aizsardzības spējas uz austrumu robežas, nosūtot papildu vienības. Kamēr norisinās krievijas agresija Ukrainā, tādu gadījumu atkārtošanās, kad Latvijas gaisa telpā ielido vai tai pietuvojas ārvalstu bezpilota lidaparāts ir iespējama. Iedzīvotāju ievērībai! Meklējiet patvērumu telpās, aizveriet logus un durvis - ievērojiet divu sienu principu. Ja pamanāt zemu lidojošu, aizdomīgu vai bīstamu objektu, netuvojieties tam un zvaniet 112. Par apdraudējuma beigām informēsim.” - National Armed Forces of Latvia, May 14

• “NATO Baltic air policing mission fighters have been activated.” - National Armed Forces of Latvia, May 14

• “Ir aktivizēti NATO Baltijas gaisa telpas patrulēšanas misijas iznīcinātāji.” - National Armed Forces of Latvia, May 14