Lithuania has issued air raid warnings following the possible detection of an unidentified drone, while an emergency notification attributed to Latvia's National Armed Forces has instructed residents to seek shelter over an airspace threat. The warnings come amid heightened concerns about unmanned aircraft entering NATO airspace along the alliance's eastern flank.

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Lithuanian authorities initially issued a yellow warning advising residents to identify safe locations and await further instructions. Lithuanian public broadcaster LRT subsequently reported red-level air raid warnings in Panevėžys and Šiauliai counties on October 18, indicating a more immediate threat. Emergency notifications were distributed to residents through the country's mobile warning system.

The Lithuanian Armed Forces and National Crisis Management Centre advised residents to avoid approaching suspicious objects and contact emergency services at 112 if necessary. Under Lithuania's warning system, yellow indicates a possible aerial threat, while red requires residents in affected areas to seek shelter immediately. The suspected object's identity, origin and flight path have not been established.

Separately, an emergency notification attributed to Latvia's National Armed Forces warned of a threat in Latvian airspace and instructed recipients to take shelter indoors. The message directed residents to follow the two-wall principle, which involves positioning themselves behind at least two walls separating them from the outside. Residents were also instructed to avoid suspicious low-flying objects, contact emergency services and await confirmation that the danger had passed.

Latvia uses a two-level airspace warning system, with yellow alerts advising residents to prepare for possible danger and orange alerts requiring immediate protective action. The circulated Latvian notification is consistent with the instructions associated with the higher warning level. However, its issuance time, affected geographic area and current status have not been independently established.

Both countries have experienced previous airspace incidents involving unmanned aircraft as Russia's war in Ukraine continues. Earlier this year, drones entered Baltic airspace during periods of intensified military activity, prompting NATO fighter responses and additional air defense measures. Latvian authorities previously confirmed that allied aircraft destroyed a foreign drone over the Latgale region, while Lithuania has reported separate suspected drone incursions and temporary aviation restrictions.

Lithuania and Latvia share borders with Belarus, while Lithuania also borders Russia's Kaliningrad region and Latvia borders Russia directly. Their locations place them along NATO's eastern flank, where allied air policing missions operate alongside national military surveillance systems. Previous incidents have raised questions about the ability to detect and intercept small unmanned aircraft, particularly those operating at low altitudes.

Authorities have not established whether the latest reported warnings are connected or whether a drone crossed either country's airspace during the incidents. No interceptions, impacts, casualties or damage have been confirmed in connection with the circulated notifications. Further official information is needed to establish the nature of the suspected threats and the status of the warnings.