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The Baltic nation plans to shoot down aerial devices transporting contraband tobacco across the border, its prime minister has warned.

This decision follows after balloons entering Lithuanian airspace disrupted air traffic on several occasions recently, with weekend disruptions, while authorities suspended frontier checkpoints during these events.

Border checkpoints will now be closed indefinitely in response to the helium weather balloons.

Prime Minister Inga Ruginiene said, "we are ready to take the strictest possible measures during unauthorized aerial intrusions."

National Security Actions

Detailing the measures during a briefing, Ruginiene said the army was taking "all necessary measures" to eliminate aerial threats.

About the border closure, officials noted embassy personnel maintain access for cross-border diplomatic missions, with special provisions for EU and Lithuanian nationals, though all other travel remains prohibited.

"Through these actions, we communicate to foreign authorities stating that asymmetric operations face opposition here, and we will take all the strictest measures to halt these operations," government officials declared.

Official communications saw no quick answer from the neighboring government.

Alliance Coordination

Authorities will discuss with international allies regarding the aerial device concerns with possible discussions about implementing the alliance's consultation mechanism - a protocol allowing member state consultation about national security issues, particularly involving territorial protection - officials noted.

Airport Disruptions

Lithuanian airports were closed three times during holiday periods from balloon incidents crossing the international border, disrupting air transport and passenger movement, based on regional media reports.

In recent weeks, 25 balloons entered Lithuania from Belarus, causing dozens of flight disruptions impacting thousands, Lithuania's National Crisis Management Centre told the BBC.

The phenomenon is not new: through early October, 544 balloons were recorded entering Lithuania from Belarus this year, according to official statements, compared to higher numbers in prior period.

European Context

Additional aviation facilities - covering northern and central European sites - have also been affected by air incursions, with unauthorized drone observations, during current period.