Lithuania invests 3 million euros in interceptor drone development
Lithuania's Ministry of Defence and the Defence Resources Agency will allocate about 3 million euros to develop an unmanned aerial vehicle capable of detecting and neutralizing enemy drones.
The Lithuanian Ministry of Defence, together with the Defence Resources Agency, plans to invest approximately 3 million euros in the development of a new interceptor drone. The craft is intended to detect and neutralize hostile unmanned aerial vehicles. It is expected to become an integral part of Lithuania's air defense system.
Defence Minister Robertas Kaunas emphasized that strengthening the defence industry and air defense are top priorities. He stated that he wants these interceptor drones to be developed and produced in Lithuania by local engineers, calling it a long-term investment in the country's security and defence industry.
The project will be implemented in two phases. In the first phase, three participants will receive funding to develop technology prototypes. Subsequently, a trial batch will be purchased from the two most successful manufacturers. Defence industry companies are invited to apply for the competition by July 10.
This initiative supplements previously planned anti-drone system purchases. Earlier, President Gitanas Nausėda said Lithuania is determined to shoot down aircraft violating its airspace, even if expensive missiles are required. Lithuania is also considering purchasing drones and low-altitude detection systems from Israeli company Elbit Systems. It has also been reported that systems designed to combat contraband-carrying balloons are being adapted for drone interception.
