Lithuania and Ukraine to expand air defence cooperation

Lithuania and Ukraine have agreed to increase the exchange of expertise in air defence between their armed forces, Lithuania’s Defence Minister Robertas Kaunas announced during a visit to Kyiv on Wednesday, state news agency ELTA reports.

“Lithuania remains one of Ukraine’s most steadfast allies. Now is the time to elevate our brotherly ties and bilateral cooperation to a higher level,” Kaunas said in a statement from the Ministry of National Defence. “We have agreed that Lithuanian and Ukrainian forces will intensify the exchange of expert knowledge in air defence.”

The minister added that both countries also seek closer collaboration in defence industry projects, particularly in developing air defence capabilities. “We are working to better adapt Ukrainian knowledge and experience for Lithuania’s needs,” he said.

During the visit, the Lithuanian delegation observed Ukrainian mobile fire units responsible for protecting the country’s airspace and witnessed how Ukrainian forces neutralise aerial threats. Ukrainian Defence Minister Mykhailo Fedorov noted that Ukraine’s comprehensive air defence model—integrating multiple systems—has already delivered results and created unmatched expertise.

“This mutually beneficial partnership and our combined expertise can strengthen NATO’s entire eastern flank,” Fedorov said.

The ministers also discussed potential Ukrainian defence industry projects in Lithuania, with ongoing negotiations for their implementation. Plans include launching a joint initiative within the defence innovation cluster Brave1 to support Ukrainian and Lithuanian defence startups, with air defence identified as one of the most promising areas for collaboration.

Kaunas’s visit aims to accelerate technology acquisitions, launch joint projects, and enhance Lithuania’s air surveillance and defence systems.