Baltic Security: NATO fighter jets shot down a suspected explosive-carrying drone over Lithuania after it crossed from Belarus, with Italian Eurofighters intercepting it near Pratkunai/Kaunas; Lithuanian officials say debris will be examined to confirm origin, while the incident is framed as a test of NATO readiness. EU-Russia Tensions: The EU called Russia “reckless” after flares were fired at a Danish helicopter monitoring a Russian frigate, as Moscow also pushes back on France’s nuclear “umbrella” push. Estonia Cabinet & Defense: President Alar Karis appointed Martin Herem as defense minister, Erkki Keldo to climate/energy, and Liina Vahtras to economy/industry in a partial reshuffle ahead of next year’s election. Education System Pressure: Education Minister Kristina Kallas says high school admissions will be smoother next spring with a unified schedule via SAIS, after many students—especially from Russian-language schools with weak Estonian—were left without a place. Nuclear Deterrence Talks: Estonia is in talks with France about joining a strengthened nuclear deterrence initiative, with Prime Minister Kristen Michal stressing Estonia can’t join without the right capabilities. Arctic Strategy: Twelve EU states, including Estonia, urged the EU to expand a more strategic Arctic role amid Russian military activity. Defense Industry: Patria won a contract to deliver its MUSCL passive radar system to an unnamed European NATO ally. Telecom Policy Fight: European telecom executives warned EU plans to ban “high-risk” suppliers like Huawei/ZTE could drive up costs for operators.