Strengthening multi-layered air defense is a key focus - Baltic defense ministers

TALLINN - Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania are taking decisive steps to prioritize the development of their air defenses. Recent incidents stemming from Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine demonstrate the need to further bolster multi-layered air defense, the Baltic defense ministers affirmed in a recent joint statement.

This week, several foreign unmanned aerial vehicles have crossed into NATO airspace over the Baltic states and impacted their territory. Fortunately, no civilians were injured, and damage to infrastructure was minimal. The Baltic defense ministers acknowledge the professionalism of the allies contributing to the NATO air policing mission, who help ensure the security of our airspace.

"While an investigation to determine all relevant details and circumstances is underway, we remain steadfast in our support for Ukraine's defense efforts against Russia and Ukraine's right to self-defense," the ministers' statement reads.

"These incidents underscore the urgent need to continue enhancing our readiness and investing in defense capabilities. The Baltic states are investing at least five percent of their GDP in defense. We are prioritizing the procurement of air defense capabilities and the development of drone and anti-drone systems, as well as acoustic sensors," the ministers affirmed, acknowledging the excellent information exchange among the relevant parties. "Our joint coordination will continue at the highest level."

While the NATO mission Eastern Sentry has clearly demonstrated its value, the ministers believe that NATO's efforts to strengthen air defense, including drone countermeasures, must be accelerated. "Allies must rapidly scale up the capabilities needed for effective detection and interception. The current presence of NATO aircraft and air defense systems in the Baltic states must be maintained and further strengthened to respond to all aerial threats, including unmanned aircraft," the ministers noted.

"These incidents further underscore the importance of our request for European Union funding under the initiative for defense projects of common European interest. We emphasize the need for a significant and long-term increase in dedicated EU defense funding, including for strengthening the eastern border through initiatives such as the Eastern Flank Watch and the European Drone Defence Initiative," the joint statement from the Baltic defense ministers concluded.