Estonia accelerates bypass construction after border incident at Saatse boot

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On 10 October 2025, Estonia’s Police and Border Guard Board observed an unusually large group of between seven and approximately ten armed men in camouflaged or unmarked uniforms walking and standing on the road crossing the Saatse Boot - a boot and small triangle-shaped pieces of Russian territory that an Estonian road passes through freely. The road is the main route connecting Saatse and nearby villages to the rest of Estonia.

In response, Estonian authorities temporarily closed the road sections running through the Russian enclave, citing the need to protect citizens and prevent possible incidents. Estonia requested an explanation from Moscow, but Russian officials replied that the situation was “nothing unusual” and part of “routine activities.”

Following the closure, the Estonian government accelerated construction of a bypass road entirely within Estonian territory to avoid crossing Russian land. A small detour around a related area known as the “Lutepää triangle” was completed on 21 October 2025 while the "Big Boot" detour is scheduled to be completed next year.

Military analysts described the incident as another sign of growing tension between Moscow and NATO. However, Estonian officials stressed that the overall threat level had not been raised. Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna called reports of a border escalation “exaggerated,” saying the situation remainsunder control.

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Balloon provocations from Belarus disrupt flights, raise tensions and prompt border closure in Lithuania

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In early October 2025, helium or meteorological-type balloons from Belarus repeatedly entered Lithuanian airspace, forcing Vilnius Airport to suspend operations. On 4 October 2025, around 25 balloons carrying contraband cigarettes caused major disruptions — delaying or diverting 30 flights and affecting some 6,000 passengers. In the following weeks, more incursions occurred during the day and at night, described by officials as “hybrid provocations.”

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On 24 October 2025, Lithuania temporarily closed its main airports — Vilnius and Kaunas and border crossings with Belarus after another disruption wave of balloons. Three days later, Prime Minister Inga Ruginienė announced that any balloons entering Lithuanian airspace would be shot down.

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Authorities called the incidents an organized attempt to test national security. On 29 October 2025, Lithuania extended the closure of remaining Belarus border checkpoints until 30 November 2025, with limited exceptions in one crossing point for diplomats and EU citizens.

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NATO launches its largest defence tech experiment in Latvia

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From 27 October to 7 November 2025, NATO is conducting the Digital Backbone Experiment (DiBaX) at the Ādaži military base in Latvia — its largest research and testing exercise focused on defence technologies.

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The event explores unmanned systems and AI-driven situational awareness, showcasing Latvia’s growing leadership in digital innovation and NATO’s next-generation capabilities.

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Latvia strengthens border defence with €50 Million “Skorpion 2” remote mine-laying system deal

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On 22 October 2025, Latvia’s Ministry of Defence and the State Defence Logistics and Procurement Centre signed a €50 million agreement with German company Dynamit Nobel Defence to acquire “Skorpion 2” remote mining systems, which will allow rapid mine deployment along Latvia’s border as part of the Baltic Defence Line.

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The deal also includes AT2+ anti-tank mines, training for personnel, and involvement of local industry — ensuring stronger supply security and supporting Latvia’s defence sector.

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New “Black Hawk” simulator boosts pilot training in Latvia

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On 17 October 2025, a new “Black Hawk” helicopter flight simulator was inaugurated at the National Armed Forces base in Lielvārde, funded entirely by a $19 million US support programme.

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The state-of-the-art simulator, built from real aircraft components, allows pilots to train safely in complex and high-risk conditions, enhancing readiness while cutting operational costs.

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Latvia strengthens transatlantic business ties at “Spotlight Latvia” in Washington

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On 17 October 2025, the Latvian-American Chamber of Commerce (LACC) and the Investment and Development Agency of Latvia (LIAA) signed a cooperation agreement in Washington to strengthen business ties and boost exports across North America.

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The deal was concluded during the “Spotlight Latvia” conference (13–17 October), which brought together over 200 participants from both sides to foster cooperation
in defence, energy, and digital sectors.

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Riga Conference 2025 marks 20 years

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From 9–11 October 2025, Riga hosted the 20th Riga Conference, Northern Europe’s leading security and foreign policy forum, bringing together over 700 participants from 45 countries.

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The event focused on NATO’s future, collective defence, and Europe’s strategic resilience, marking two decades of fostering dialogue between global leaders, policymakers, and experts on the most pressing security challenges.

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Poland extends border controls with Lithuania and Germany

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On 6 October 2025, Poland extended border controls with Lithuania and Germany until 4 April 2026. Introduced on 7 July 2025 to curb illegal migration, the checks now cover 50 points on the German border and 13 on the Lithuanian one.

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Since July, authorities have recorded nearly 25,000 illegal crossing attempts, and by August, about 60 smugglers were detained on the Lithuanian border.

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Additional soldiers and military police will reinforce security. The move follows reports of Germany returning migrants to Poland under EU rules for exceptional Schengen-area cases.

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Patria officially takes over the high-security F-35 engine facility in Linnavuori, Finland

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Patria, a Finnish defence and technology company partnering with the Finnish Defence Forces, announced on October 14, 2025 the completion of a new F-35 fighter jet engine assembly and maintenance facility in Linnavuori, district of Nokia.

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Built by Defence Properties Finland, the site will first assemble F135 engines before transitioning to full maintenance operations.

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The project marks a major step in Finland’s F-35 programme, strengthening cooperation with the United States and boosting local high-tech defence expertise.

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