Latvia Scrambles Fighter Jets As Drones Crash Into NATO Territory

NATO nation Latvia scrambled fighter jets as two drones crashed in the country on Thursday.

The drones fell on Latvian soil after crossing into the country’s airspace from Russia, Riga’s military said in a statement.

The drones were likely launched by Ukraine towards Russian targets, Latvian defense minister Andris Spruds said in comments reported by the LSM national broadcaster.

A Ukrainian drone homing in on oil infrastructure in western Russia strayed into Latvia in late March.

Latvian authorities had reported possible threats entering the country early on Thursday near the northeastern town of Balvi and around Ludza, southern Latvian. Both towns sit close to the Russian border.

This is a breaking story. More to follow.

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This story was originally published May 7, 2026 at 12:44 AM.