As tensions grow in Eastern Europe incidents involiving unauthorized drones have become increasingly common. One recent incident involved a Russian-made Shahed drone being shot down by a European country that otherwise is considered an ally to Russia.
Three Attack Drones in Airspace
Late Saturday night, Belarusian air defense forces intercepted and shot down a Russian Shahed drone over the Gomel region in the southeast of the country.
According to Belarusian monitoring group Belarusian Hajun and Hotnews, three Russian attack drones crossed into Belarus’s airspace starting around 12:30 a.m. local time,.
By 1:00 a.m., fighter jets were scrambled, and one of the drones was downed near the town of Yelsk. Local residents reported hearing explosions as the interception took place.
Not Publicly Objected to Incursions
This marks the third time Belarus has shot down a Russian drone that entered its airspace. Despite the growing number of incidents, Belarus, a key ally of Russia, has not publicly objected to Moscow over these incursions. However, as drone activity becomes more frequent, concerns over airspace security and sovereignty continue to rise.
The interception coincided with a broader Russian drone campaign that night. Ukraine's air force reported downing 31 out of 51 Russian drones launched overnight.
Ukrainian forces also reported losing radar contact with 13 other drones, which may have crossed into neighboring countries, including Belarus.
Russian Shahed drones, which are Iranian-made and often used in kamikaze-style attacks, have become a central part of Russia’s military strategy in its ongoing war with Ukraine. The drones are frequently deployed to target critical infrastructure and civilian areas, leading to widespread disruption.
In recent months, Belarus has seen an increase in Russian drones entering its airspace, as attacks on Ukraine have intensified. While Belarusian forces have acted to intercept these drones, Minsk continues to maintain a close alliance with Moscow, making these incidents more politically delicate.
