Lithuania is set to deliver its first batch of FPV drones to Ukraine by the second half of this spring, according to a report by LRT. The Lithuanian Ministry of Defense confirmed that these drones, sourced from local manufacturers, are expected to support Ukraine's ongoing military efforts.
Last year, the Lithuanian Ministry of Defense tested combat drones from five Lithuanian companies on the Ukrainian frontlines. While these initial tests revealed some technical issues, the ministry is committed to refining the drones for effective deployment. In the latest round of tests, FPV drones from eight Lithuanian companies were evaluated in Ukraine, but technical problems arose during the initial operational environment testing.
Lithuanian Defense Minister Laurynas Kasčiūnas emphasized the importance of continued testing before finalizing any drone purchases. The ministry has also announced plans to supply Ukraine with Lithuanian-made drones worth €5 million and to procure drones valued at up to €3 million for the Lithuanian Armed Forces. Additionally, €10 million will be allocated for the purchase of advanced reconnaissance drones specifically for Ukraine.
In a broader effort to bolster military capabilities, Lithuania has signed contracts totaling €36 million with drone manufacturers from Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia. The Ministry of Defense anticipates that most of these unmanned aircraft will be delivered by this fall, with further deliveries expected around 2025.
The Lithuanian Ministry of Defense is working swiftly to integrate these drones into the Lithuanian Armed Forces' arsenal, following lessons learned from the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine. This summer, Lithuania signed agreements with Latvian manufacturer Edge Autonomy and Estonian Threod Systems for the purchase of various types of unmanned aerial vehicles.
In addition to drone procurement, there has been a significant increase in demand for drone operator training courses in Lithuania, with all courses fully booked until the New Year. The Lithuanian government is also preparing to launch a platform this fall, allowing citizens to contribute to the country’s defense needs.
These efforts reflect Lithuania's strategic focus on enhancing its military capabilities and supporting Ukraine in its defense against Russian aggression.
