Belarusian Helicopter Violated Air Space of Lithuania :: Charter'97 :: News

Investigation of Lithuanian Air Force has established that on July 10 a Belarusian military helicopter Mi-24 has infringed the airspace of Lithuania, BNS was informed by the commander of the Air Force of Lithuania Arturas Leita. As said by him, it has been found that the helicopter of the neighbouring country encroached upon the territory at the height of 100-200 m to 100 meters in Varena district.

“The violation has been registered, our systems have come into action,” A. Leita said.

Defence Minister of Lithuania Juozas Olekas has confirmed the results of the investigation. They have been given to Foreign Ministry which is to take diplomatic steps towards Belarus.

According to the Interfax, Belarus denies that that violation had taken place.

Belarusian Air Force Commander Aleh Paferau, who visited Vilnius last week, said that that air violation had not been confirmed by radars data, and could be a “visual illusion”.

According to Lithuanian Air Force, on July 19 Belarusian Mi-8 helicopter crossed the border of Lithuania in Lazdijai region twice. Lithuanian Foreign Ministry has given a note to Belarus.