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The Baltic nation plans to intercept and destroy balloons used to smuggle contraband tobacco across the border, the country's leader announced.

This decision follows after unauthorized aerial incursions forced Vilnius Airport to close multiple times over the past week, with weekend disruptions, with the government also closing Belarus border crossings temporarily each time.

International border access continues restricted following repeated balloon incursions.

Prime Minister Inga Ruginiene said, "we are ready to take maximum response protocols when our airspace is violated."

National Security Actions

Announcing the actions at a press conference, the Prime Minister confirmed military forces were implementing "complete operational protocols" to intercept unauthorized devices.

Concerning border measures, the Prime Minister confirmed diplomatic movement continues across the international border, with special provisions for EU and Lithuanian nationals, though all other travel remains prohibited.

"Through these actions, we communicate to Belarus stating that asymmetric operations face opposition within our territory, and we'll implement maximum countermeasures to prevent similar incidents," government officials declared.

Authorities received no prompt reaction from Belarus.

Alliance Coordination

The Baltic nation intends to coordinate with partners regarding the aerial device concerns with possible discussions about implementing the NATO consultation clause - a protocol allowing member state consultation on any issue of concern, particularly involving territorial protection - the Prime Minister concluded.

Airport Disruptions

Aviation hubs faced multiple shutdowns over the weekend because of aerial devices crossing the international border, impacting over hundred flights and thousands of travelers, based on regional media reports.

In recent weeks, multiple aerial devices crossed into Lithuanian airspace, causing dozens of flight disruptions impacting thousands, Lithuania's National Crisis Management Centre told the BBC.

This situation represents ongoing challenges: through early October, hundreds of aerial devices documented crossing borders across the frontier in recent months, according to official statements, while 966 were recorded last year.

European Context

International air travel hubs - covering northern and central European sites - faced comparable aviation security challenges, involving unmanned aerial vehicles, over past months.