NATO Jet Scrambled Over Lithuania, But It Was Just a Flock of Birds

NATO jet scrambled in Lithuania after drone alert, but it was just a flock of birds. Airport closed temporarily.

September 13, 2026 One Min Read

POLICY WIRE — Vilnius, Lithuania — A NATO fighter jet was deployed over Lithuanian airspace following a reported drone sighting, only to discover the object was a large group of birds.

The incident led to the temporary closure of Vilnius International Airport on Sunday, as authorities investigated what appeared to be an unauthorized aerial presence. The situation was resolved when officials confirmed the perceived threat was not a drone, but a natural flock of birds.

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The aircraft was dispatched from Siauliai in northern Lithuania, according to the national crisis management center. After the threat was identified as non-hazardous, the airport reopened and the alert was lifted within hours.

Reporting by Policy-Wire (PW)

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