“Like all NATO countries, we are unable to guarantee 100 % security” – said about the protection of the Lithuanian airspace Raimundas Vaiksnorm in an interview with the Baltic News Service (BNS) agency. However, protection would require around billions of euros.
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Reaction to NATO airspace violations
The statement of the head of the Lithuanian army appears in the context of a series of incidents related to Russian drones. In September, Russian drones crossed the borders of Poland. Similar violations took place this summer, when two drones of Gerber flew to Lithuania – one of them moved explosives. These incidents showed the urgent need to modernize defense systems on the eastern Flanka NATO.
According to Raimundas Vaiksnorma Mobile systems will be a key element of planned investments, which can be moved depending on the type and place of danger.
“Thanks to this, we could identify low -flying objects and neutralize them” – emphasized the commander of the Lithuanian army.
Planned solutions are to increase the ability to capture and eliminate threats such as drones.
Read also: Russian drones over Poland. Military experts talk about the necessary changes [ANALIZA]
Support with NATO and new technologies in Lithuania
NATO still remains without a coherent protective system against drones that violate the airspace of the Member States. In response to these challenges, the Alliance initiated the operation “Eastern Sentry”. It aims to build cooperation in the field of drone detection and neutralization before Member States implement individual solutions.
“We hope to support Germany” Vaiksnoras pointed out, adding that processes are ongoing to ensure a coherent attitude of allies to this problem.
Read also: The EU plans to build a “drone wall”. Eight countries are joining forces
Lithuanian Defense Minister Dovile Sakaliene announced that Türkiye sent an early warning aircraft to Lithuania, and subsequent resources will be located in the coming months. Contracts for the purchase of new radars, acoustic sensors and advanced drone defense systems are to be signed soon. In addition, the Lithuanian parliament approved legal changes that will enable the armed forces faster and more effective response to threats from drones that violate the airspace of the country.
