Lithuania proposes state compensation for damage caused by lawful military actions

The Lithuanian government on Wednesday approved legislative amendments that would require the state to compensate for damage caused by lawful use of military force by Lithuania’s armed forces or NATO allies, LRT reports.

The proposed changes, which still require parliamentary approval, aim to create a clear compensation mechanism for cases where military action neutralises threats to national security. The defence ministry stated that a transparent and efficient system would help resolve damage claims quickly, maintaining public trust in the military and allied forces even in complex security situations.

Defence Minister Robertas Kaunas said the amendments would remove doubts for soldiers when engaging threats such as drones. “When the time comes to destroy a drone or other flying object, soldiers must act decisively without wasting energy on questions about liability if debris causes material damage to civilian property,” he wrote on Facebook after the cabinet decision.

The ministry argues that state-assumed responsibility for such losses would strengthen public support for defence policies and encourage civilian backing for security efforts. It would also improve legal conditions for allied forces operating in Lithuania, reinforcing the country’s reputation as a reliable host nation for NATO collective defence commitments.

Under the proposal, direct losses would be compensated by government or authorised institution decisions, funded through the defence ministry’s budget. If funds are insufficient, additional state budget allocations or reserves could be used. Payments could be spread over up to ten years, depending on the compensation amount and state financial capacity.

Insurers who have already paid claims for such damage would not be entitled to recover sums from Lithuania’s armed forces, NATO allies, or their personnel. Claims would not be accepted if filed more than three years after the damage occurred. The government would determine compensation procedures and amounts based on civil code provisions.

The amendments also expand the scope of permissible military force against aerial objects, allowing action not only against unmanned aircraft but also other autonomously or remotely controlled objects. Recent drone incidents in the Baltic states—often involving off-course Ukrainian drones targeting Russia—have highlighted the need for clearer legal frameworks, as such cases are expected to recur amid ongoing regional security challenges.