A NATO support team focused on combating hybrid threats visited Lithuania from February 9 to 13 to assess the local security situation. Following their visit, they are expected to provide recommendations on enhancing air defenses against drone attacks and the threat of balloons used for smuggling. Additionally, the team will advise on strategies to combat information threats, which are increasingly becoming a concern for the region.

Lithuania has been actively collaborating with NATO and allied forces to ensure a robust response to hybrid threats, especially after a surge in illegal balloon incursions from Belarus. These unusual airspace violations have disrupted operations at Lithuanian airports, notably causing the suspension of activities at Vilnius Airport multiple times, resulting in significant inconvenience to thousands of passengers. The country raised this alarm by seeking NATO's assistance to activate the support group towards the end of the previous year.

The rising frequency of smuggling balloons infiltrating Lithuania's airspace calls for urgent and coordinated countermeasures. The recommendations from the NATO team are anticipated to strengthen Lithuania's operational capabilities to effectively manage these hybrid threats and enhance national security, ensuring the safety of its citizens and air traffic.