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The Baltic nation plans to intercept and destroy aerial devices transporting cigarettes from neighbouring Belarus, government officials confirmed.

The measure comes after unauthorized aerial incursions forced Vilnius Airport to close on several occasions recently, with weekend disruptions, while authorities suspended Belarus border crossings temporarily each time.

International border access continues restricted in response to the helium weather balloons.

The government leader stated, "we are ready to take the strictest possible measures against airspace violations."

Government Response

Outlining the strategy to media, Ruginiene said the army was taking "every required action" to shoot down balloons.

About the border closure, officials noted embassy personnel maintain access across the international border, with special provisions for EU and Lithuanian nationals, but no other movement will be allowed.

"This represents our clear message to the neighboring nation stating that asymmetric operations face opposition across our nation, employing comprehensive defensive actions to stop such attacks," government officials declared.

There has been no immediate response from the neighboring government.

International Consultation

Authorities will discuss with international allies regarding the aerial device concerns while potentially considering invocation of the NATO consultation clause - a protocol allowing member state consultation regarding security matters, particularly involving territorial protection - officials noted.

Travel Impacts

Lithuanian airports were closed three times over the weekend because of aerial devices from Belarus, impacting over hundred flights and thousands of travelers, according to Baltic News Service.

Earlier this month, several unauthorized objects traversed the border, leading to 30 flight cancellations affecting 6,000 passengers, according to emergency management officials.

This situation represents ongoing challenges: by autumn measurements, hundreds of aerial devices documented crossing borders across the frontier in recent months, an NCMC spokesman said, while 966 were recorded last year.

Regional Situation

Other European airports - including in Copenhagen and Munich - have also been affected by air incursions, involving unmanned aerial vehicles, in recent weeks.