NATO Jet Shoots Down Drone Over Estonia

A Romanian F-16 fighter jet operating as part of a NATO mission shot down a drone over Estonia after it violated the country’s airspace, Estonian officials said.

According to Estonian Defense Minister Hanno Pevkur, the drone was likely Ukrainian and intended to target Russian positions. The incident occurred shortly after noon, with debris landing in a field near the village of Kablaküla. No injuries or major damage were reported.

Authorities believe the drone entered Estonian airspace from neighboring Latvia, where a similar incident last week triggered a political crisis and contributed to the collapse of the government.

Estonia later contacted the Ukrainian side, and Ukrainian Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov reportedly apologized for the incident.

In Latvia, the earlier drone incident caused widespread disruption, temporarily halting train services, interrupting school exams and prompting some shops to close.

NATO confirmed the Romanian jet’s intervention and said the alliance remains prepared to respond to potential air threats. Estonian officials linked the incidents to intensified Ukrainian drone operations against Russia.

(mja)