Lithuania plans to extend the period of closure of its airspace along the border with Belarus, DPA reported, citing information from the Lithuanian army, BTA reports.
The sky in the border area was closed in August due to the Russian-Belarusian military exercises "Zapad". Initially, this measure was planned to be lifted this month, but a new decision provides for it to remain in force until December 1.
The reason for the extension is the fear of potential violations of airspace by drones. Lithuanian Defense Minister Dovile Šakaliene explained that the decision was also justified by recent legislative changes that give the army greater opportunities to effectively neutralize drones.
An incident was previously recorded in which two drones of Russian origin entered Lithuanian airspace from Belarus, which prompted legislative amendments approved by parliament last week.
The border between Lithuania and Belarus is about 679 km long.