Latvia has announced the closure of its airspace along its eastern borders with Russia and Belarus. This decision follows the recent incursion of at least 19 Russian drones into Polish airspace. Latvian Defense Minister Andris Spruds stated that the airspace will remain closed for at least one week, until September 18. He emphasized that there is currently no immediate threat but noted that the country's armed forces are on heightened alert due to the ongoing "Namejs" military exercise, which began on September 2 and will continue until October 8.

Spruds described the presence of Russian unmanned aerial vehicles in NATO airspace as a warning signal. He stated, "We must do everything possible to prevent an escalation of drone attacks." The closure of Latvian airspace will allow for better control and monitoring of unauthorized flying objects. It will also free up airspace for NATO Baltic Air Policing mission fighter jets and enhance air defense capabilities.

The closure will facilitate the testing of acoustic airspace monitoring systems, conduct drone and counter-drone simulations, and allow for the deployment of additional mobile combat units and training exercises. Latvian forces are prepared to respond to any aggressor-state drones if necessary.

This announcement from Latvia came shortly after Poland's Operational Command declared a closure of its airspace along the 260-mile border with Belarus. This closure took effect late Wednesday and will remain in place until December 9.

In addition, Lithuania has established a no-fly zone along its 56-mile border with Belarus, effective from August 14 until October 1, with the possibility of extension. This decision was made after two Russian Gerbera drones, one carrying explosives, crashed on Lithuanian territory after entering from Belarus. Lithuania's Defense Minister Dovile Sakaliene stated that the country is "ready" to shoot down any drones that enter the no-fly zone.

Estonia is currently the only Baltic state that has not imposed new airspace restrictions along its eastern border. Earlier this week, Estonia's Foreign Ministry summoned the Russian charge d’affaires after a Russian Mi-8 helicopter violated Estonian airspace over the Baltic Sea. Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna noted that this incident was the third of its kind in 2025. The helicopter was in Estonian airspace for about four minutes without a flight plan and with its transponder turned off.

Estonia has also reported incidents involving Ukrainian drones. Last month, a Ukrainian drone crashed and exploded on Estonian territory, likely en route to attack targets in Russia. Estonian authorities attributed the drone's deviation to Russian jamming measures. Another Ukrainian drone was confirmed to have crashed into the Russian portion of Lake Peipus, which is part of the Estonia-Russia border.