Lithuania revisits universal conscription debate after drone incidents

Lithuania’s defence ministry is moving toward reintroducing universal military conscription following a series of drone incidents, though opposition leaders argue demographic trends may naturally push the country in that direction within years, LRT reports.

Defence Minister Robertas Kaunas confirmed the shift, stating that the military is gradually increasing its training capacity to accommodate a full conscription model while maintaining quality. “Each year, the army can train more people—we are moving toward universal conscription at a steady pace,” he said.

The debate follows multiple drone-related security breaches. In late March, a Ukrainian drone exploded over Lake Lavyso, reportedly disrupted by Russian electronic countermeasures. Two months later, a similar device was found in Utena district, though no explosion occurred. Authorities later detected drones crossing the border before their signals vanished in the same regions, triggering temporary airspace alerts. Searches were called off after no devices were located.

Conservative opposition leader Laurynas Kasčiūnas argued for accelerating conscription expansion, citing Lithuania’s declining birth rates. “Due to demographic trends, we could reach de facto universal conscription in a few years when we’re drafting 7,000–8,000 men annually,” he said. Currently, 5,000 conscripts and 3,000 volunteers undergo mandatory service each year. Men aged 18–21 are eligible, with deferments for higher education, health, or family reasons; evasion carries administrative or criminal penalties.

Prime Minister Ingrida Ruginienė supported increasing conscript numbers, calling it a priority amid “changing geopolitical conditions and emerging threats.” However, Dainius Gaižauskas of the ruling Farmers and Greens Union dismissed the drone incidents as justification, comparing the argument to “buying winter boots for a toothache.”

Liberal MP Viktorija Čmilytė-Nielsen urged a review of current training programs to focus on counter-drone systems, while defence expert Giedrimas Jeglinskas proposed including women in conscription and extending service to 12 months. “Around 24,000 young people finish school annually—they should all serve, creating a different kind of societal resilience,” he said. Voluntary service is currently open to all adults under 39.