A drone that entered Lithuanian airspace early Tuesday was shot down by a NATO fighter jet between the cities of Vilnius and Kaunas, Lithuanian authorities said.

Lithuania’s National Crisis Management Center said preliminary assessments indicated the drone most likely entered the country from neighboring Belarus and was traveling west before being intercepted by an Italian fighter jet operating as part of NATO’s air defense mission.

Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda praised the alliance for its rapid response, saying heightened military readiness was essential as Russia continues its war against Ukraine.

“With Russia intensifying its aggression against Ukraine, such readiness is vital for our region,” Nauseda said in a social media post. “Together with our NATO Allies, Lithuania will defend its airspace.”

Foreign Minister Kestutis Budrys said the interception demonstrated NATO’s preparedness, calling it “a clear message that NATO stands vigilant, committed, and ready.”

Vilmantas Vitkauskas, head of Lithuania’s National Crisis Management Center, told public broadcaster LRT that the drone was believed to have crossed into Lithuanian territory from Belarus and flown near the outskirts of populated areas for approximately 30 minutes before being intercepted.

The Lithuanian Armed Forces later released footage from the crash site near the village of Pratkunai, close to Kaunas and roughly 80 kilometers, or 50 miles, west of Vilnius.

The footage showed debris scattered across a grassy area, with some components appearing to be made of wood and others showing signs of burning.

Lithuanian Air Force commander Antanas Matutis said authorities believed the drone was likely carrying explosives.

The incident comes amid heightened security concerns along NATO’s eastern flank as alliance members bordering Russia and Belarus remain on alert for potential airspace violations linked to the continuing war in Ukraine.