Latvia Closes Airspace Along Borders with Russia and Belarus

Latvia has announced the closure of its airspace along the eastern borders with Russia and Belarus from the evening of September 11 until September 18. According to LSM, restrictions apply to a 50-kilometer zone up to 6,000 meters in altitude. If risks persist, the regime may be extended.

Defense Minister Andris Sprūds explained that the decision follows recent incidents in Poland, where Russian drones crossed from Belarus into NATO airspace. While Latvia faces no direct threat at the moment, he emphasized the need for preventive measures to avoid escalation.

The closure will enable full monitoring of the restricted zone and faster detection of unauthorized objects. It also secures a corridor for NATO air policing missions and Latvia’s air defense systems. The restricted area covers 172 kilometers of border with Belarus and 283 kilometers with Russia, also impacting part of Latvia’s northeastern border with Estonia. Flights above 9,000 meters will remain unaffected, as the ban targets drones that typically operate at lower altitudes.

Sprūds added that the restrictions will also allow testing of acoustic detection systems, anti-drone scenarios, and mobile units. Major General Kaspars Pūdans, Commander of the National Armed Forces, noted that the measure will speed up air defense response times and improve data analysis and notification systems.

Currently, Latvia is conducting large-scale national military exercises Namejs 2025, running until October 8. Since early last year, Latvian forces have been on constant duty at the eastern border, prepared to down hostile drones if necessary.

Earlier, Poland announced a full closure of its border with Belarus, including rail crossings, effective September 12, in response to Russian-Belarusian military drills Zapad-2025. Prime Minister Donald Tusk warned that the exercises feature “an aggressive military doctrine,” including scenarios of nuclear weapon use and the deployment of the “Oreshek” hypersonic missile. Poland has also banned drone flights and restricted light aviation along its borders with Belarus and Ukraine until December 9, Reuters
reported.

NATO allies are simultaneously holding the Iron Defender-25 exercises in Poland, involving around 30,000 troops and 600 units of equipment across land, air, sea, and cyber domains. Lithuania, meanwhile, launched its Thunder Strike drills with 17,000 participants, focusing on multi-level crisis readiness. According to LRT, Lithuania has reinforced border patrols, surveillance, and cooperation with volunteer forces.

Lithuanian Defense Minister Kęstutis Budrys warned that airspace incursions could escalate into the use of military force: “No one in NATO is truly safe — incidents are dangerously close to sparking escalation.” Experts stress the need for stronger NATO air defense in the Baltics and Poland.