Lithuania has extended the ban on part of its airspace along the Belarusian border until December 1, 2025, in connection with the Russian-Belarusian exercises ‘West-2025’.
The decision was announced by the Lithuanian army. The restrictions remain in force in those parts of the airspace where heightened security and constant monitoring are required.
According to Defense Minister Dovilė Šakalienė, the extension of the ban will last until the introduction of new legislative regulations that will allow the commander of the armed forces to close specific sections of airspace as needed.
She also added that work is currently underway to develop the network and control algorithms for the system, and while this process continues – the restricted zones will be retained in those areas where it is necessary.
According to her, part of the airspace will remain closed with high precision so that after the regulatory changes are finally adopted it will be possible to close it very precisely where needed, with short intervals.
We remind you that the ban was introduced on August 12; initially it was expected that the restrictions would be in place until October, but they were extended due to threats to civil aviation and possible drone incursions into airspace.
Context of the West-2025 Exercises
The joint Russian-Belarusian exercises ‘West-2025’ began on September 12 and involved about 30,000 service members, underscoring the seriousness of the maneuvers and the scale of preparations for possible actions in a threat scenario.
It is also known that on August 6 the first train with Russian servicemen and equipment for training and participation in the exercises arrived in Belarus.
According to the Belarusian Ministry of Defense, the exercises will run from September 12 to 16 and will focus on testing capabilities to ensure security and repel possible aggression.