Russian Jets Intercept RAF Rivet Joint Over Black Sea, Lithuania Issues Public Air Alert After Suspected Drone Near Belarus

NATO EASTERN FLANK — Russian military jets intercepted a UK Royal Air Force Rivet Joint reconnaissance aircraft operating in international airspace over the Black Sea in April, closing to within six meters and triggering the aircraft’s onboard emergency systems. The RAF crew completed the mission safely.

The announcement came on the same day that Lithuanian defense authorities activated a public air alert across parts of the country following radar detection of a suspected unmanned aerial vehicle approaching from the direction of Belarus.

Black Sea Rivet Joint Interception

The British Ministry of Defense reported that the Rivet Joint was conducting a routine flight in support of NATO operations.

The RAF crew completed their mission safely despite the close approach. The aircraft is a specialist reconnaissance platform equipped with advanced electronic surveillance sensors.

The UK Ministry said that the incident reflects ongoing Russian aggression and heightened military activity across Eastern Europe and the High North.

The statement also affirmed that the UK will continue to stand firm with its allies, united in the defense of NATO.

Lithuania Air Alert: Evacuation Orders, Services Halted

Lithuanian defense authorities issued an air alert across parts of the country on May 20 after military radar detected a suspected unmanned aerial vehicle with characteristics typical of a drone approaching from the direction of Belarus near the national border.

The alert, the first of its kind for the general population in Lithuania since the start of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, lasted approximately one hour and triggered widespread precautionary measures in the capital Vilnius and affected border districts.

The Lithuanian Ministry of Defense sent mobile alerts instructing residents in Vilnius and surrounding areas to “immediately take shelter in a safe place, take care of your close ones, await new recommendations.” Vilnius Airport suspended all flights and closed its airspace.

Train services around the capital were halted. Schools and kindergartens moved children to designated shelters. Lawmakers and ministers inside the Seimas parliament building received evacuation orders and moved to secure locations. President Gitanas Nausėda and Prime Minister Inga Ruginienė were taken to emergency shelters along with cabinet members.

No visual sightings of any drone over Lithuanian territory were reported. No explosions, damage, or casualties occurred.

NATO Response in Lithuania

NATO’s Baltic Air Policing mission, based at Šiauliai Air Base in Lithuania, was immediately activated. Fighter jets already on station for the mission scrambled to locate and, if necessary, engage the radar contact.

Lithuanian military statements indicated the jets were tasked with targeting the detected object. Available reports state the aircraft were unable to locate the drone after it either departed Lithuanian airspace, crashed, or evaded detection.

No shoot-down or visual interception was confirmed by Lithuanian or NATO authorities.

The image accompanying the original report depicts two fighter jets consistent with aircraft types known to operate from Šiauliai under the Baltic Air Policing rotation.

Official Statements

• UK Ministry of Defence, May 20: “A [Royal Air Force] Rivet Joint aircraft operating in international airspace over the Black Sea was dangerously intercepted by Russian military jets – flying as close as six metres and triggering onboard emergency systems. Despite these reckless manoeuvres, RAF crew completed their mission safely. ... This incident reflects ongoing Russian aggression and heightened military activity across Eastern Europe and the High North – the UK will continue to stand firm with its allies, united in the defence of NATO.”

• Lithuanian Ministry of National Defence, May 20, 07:08 GMT: “Lithuania has issued an air alert in parts of the country after a suspected drone approaching from Belarus was detected near the border. NATO Baltic Air Policing has been activated.”

• Lithuanian Ministry of National Defence, May 20, 17:30 GMT: “Today proved why Lithuania’s investment in defence matters. Early detection, rapid coordination, targeted civilian alerts & NATO air policing worked. We are learning from Ukraine & strengthening air defence because security on NATO eastern flank must be backed by real capacity.”