In response to recent Russian air incursions into Poland and in conjunction with the Namejs exercises, Riga raises its alert level to protect its own airspace and that of NATO

A measure responding to the escalation of tensions in the region: Latvia has announced the temporary closure of its airspace along the eastern borders with Russia and Belarus. The decision, officially communicated by Defence Minister Andris Sprūds, comes into effect today, 11 September, at 6:00pm local time and will last for at least a week, until 18 September 2025. Although there is no immediate threat, the measure has been described by the government as a preventive, high-alert action.

The official statement by Minister Sprūds, also released via a post on his "X" account, provides a clear picture of the reasons that led to this drastic choice. “Based on the assessment of the Latvian Army, we are closing Latvia’s airspace zone near the eastern border with Belarus and Russia. The airspace zone will be closed from today at 6:00pm for at least one week –until 18 September. There is no immediate threat, but the Army is at maximum alert during the national defence exercises called Namejs. This will allow us to fully control the reserved airspace zone and will facilitate the detection of unauthorized flying objects. It will free the reserved airspace zone for the fighter aircraft of the NATO Baltic Air Policing mission and our air defence. It will allow intensive testing of airborne acoustic surveillance systems, the conducting of drone and anti-drone simulations, and the deployment and training of additional mobile combat units".

The decision comes at a time of heightened military activity and large-scale exercises in the region. Latvia’s action coincides with the ongoing national defence exercises Namejs, held annually in the country since 2014 (this year from 2 September to 8 October). In addition, Russia’s large-scale Zapad exercises are scheduled to begin on 12 September, an event that has historically increased concern among the Baltic States.

Interviewed by "LTV Rīta panorāma", the commander of the Latvian National Armed Forces (NBS), Kaspars Pudāns, directly linked the airspace closure to recent Russian provocations, in particular to the drone violations in Poland on the night between 9 and 10 September 2025 (see for details AVIONEWS 1 and 2). Pudāns explained that, unlike the situation on the ground, the dynamics and speeds in the air make the environment more vulnerable to unexpected provocations, justifying the need for rapid action to ensure full control. The closure, according to the commander, will reroute civilian air traffic, allowing faster decision-making in case of emergency.

Latvia is not the first NATO ally to react forcefully. After the Russian drone incursions into Poland, the Polish Air Navigation Agency introduced significant restrictions on air traffic, including bans on civilian drones and night-time limitations for all other flights, valid until 9 December 2025 (see for details AVIONEWS). Lithuania also temporarily closed part of its airspace on 21 August 2025 following Russian drone violations in July, one of which crashed near the border and another that overflew the capital Vilnius carrying an explosive payload. Despite growing concern, Estonia remains the only Baltic State not to have imposed new restrictions along its eastern border. However, the Estonian Ministry of Foreign Affairs lodged a formal protest with Russia on 7 September after a Russian Mi-8 military helicopter violated its airspace for about four minutes near the island of Vaindloo. Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna described the incident as "serious and deplorable".

Namejs 2025

The exercise involves soldiers and National Guard members from all units of the Latvian Armed Forces, including conscripts, reservists and allied military personnel. Organized in cooperation with the headquarters of the NATO Multinational Division North, it involves allied troops from the United States, Estonia and Lithuania, as well as personnel from the headquarters of the NATO Multinational Brigade in Latvia, the NATO Force Integration Unit Latvia and the Latvia Task Force under Canadian Armed Forces command.

As part of Namejs 2025, the National Armed Forces are working closely with the Joint Expeditionary Force (JEF) to ensure timely situational awareness, implement deterrence measures and strengthen collective response capabilities in the Baltic region. This cooperation demonstrates the unity and readiness of JEF member States to act swiftly in the event of a threat, while also improving interoperability and refining operational procedures. Cooperation with military engineers from the British armed forces is planned to develop engineering support capabilities and strengthen interoperability during joint training and operations conducted in Latvia. The exercise brings together around 12,000 Latvian and allied soldiers, as well as National Guard members.