Estonian public broadcaster ERR reports that a local resident discovered a drone fragment on 27 September along the Gulf of Riga coastline in Pärnu County. Authorities say the object was likely brought in by sea. There is no confirmation it entered Estonian airspace or crashed within Estonia.
A similar case also occurred recently in Latvia, where debris from a Russian Gerbera drone washed ashore. These incidents follow Russia’s recent military drone intrusions into Polish and Romanian territory, as well as continued drone activity near Scandinavian airports, which has forced several temporary airport closures. Meanwhile, Russian military aircraft remain active over the Baltic Sea, frequently prompting responses from NATO forces. In a recent breach, Russian fighter jets violated Estonian airspace.
Estonian authorities secure wreckage on Baltic coast
The drone part was found near the Luitemaa nature reserve early Saturday. ERR reports that the Estonian Internal Security Service, police with the border guard service, and the Rescue Department arrived on the scene to secure the item and collect evidence.
The agencies are working to determine how the drone component ended up on Estonian territory and under what circumstances it reached the coastline. According to the press office of the Internal Security Service, there is currently no indication that the drone entered Estonia’s airspace or caused a crash on land.
Object carried no explosives, posed no immediate flight threat
Authorities confirmed that the wreckage did not contain explosives and posed no threat to air safety. However, lead state prosecutor Taavi Pern said the object is being examined as part of a criminal proceeding opened in 2022 to collect evidence of Russian aggression against Ukraine.
Pern noted that the investigation continues, and if necessary, Estonia will share findings with international partners.