On October 3, Latvians will elect a new parliament ― with Russia looming large over the campaign

Four German Air Force Eurofighter jets stand ready at Latvia's Lielvarde military air base, just 60 kilometers from Riga. The aircraft are part of NATO's efforts to strengthen Baltic air defenses on the alliance's eastern flank ahead. Germany sent the jets amid repeated drone incursions, which have put Latvia on alert ahead of the country's elections on October 3. Security has become one of the defining issues of this campaign — defense promises appearing on the programs of most of the leading parties in Latvia. And the Latvian public's anxieties aren't unfounded. In recent months, several drones have entered Baltic airspace.