Nato jet scrambled over 'drone sighting' as alert issued & airport closed

NATO fighters were scrambled after a flock of birds, believed to be a drone, was spotted over Vilnius Airport in Lithuania, prompting the temporary shutdown of the country’s main travel hub. At least one fighter jet was dispatched; the alert was lifted after 38 minutes and the airport reopened once the aircraft got a closer look at the “threat.” Lithuania’s National Crisis Management Centre said radar readings can show markings left by birds and drones as similar. The jet was called from Šiauliai in northern Lithuania, where the Italian air force is based for the NATO Baltic Air Defence mission. The broader reporting links similar incidents across Europe to fears the Ukraine war is spilling into NATO borders.