Lithuania moves to compensate damage from military drone takedowns
Lithuania’s parliament is set for a final vote on a new compensation mechanism for residents affected by property damage if the military lawfully uses force to neutralise drones, LRT reports.
The defence ministry has also announced a separate initiative, offering €3 million in funding for Lithuanian businesses to develop a new interceptor drone capable of downing hostile unmanned aircraft.
Speaker Juozas Olekas said the proposed law addresses a gap exposed by incidents in neighbouring countries, where authorities faced difficulties compensating citizens after drones were shot down. “This arose from the need to ensure that if a drone is downed, the action does not leave residents uncompensated for any resulting damage,” he said.
Laurynas Kasčiūnas, senior member of the TS-LKD parliamentary group, said the measure would give soldiers and allies greater confidence in their operations. “Every soldier and ally must know that if they act, compensation will not come from their own pocket. In other words, they can operate with greater freedom,” he stated.
Defence Minister Robertas Kaunas said the €3 million would support the development of a drone interceptor, distinct from existing projects under the Economy and Innovation Ministry. The funds will target counter-drone tools rather than higher-altitude contraband balloons. The ministry plans a two-stage process: first, companies will submit concepts and develop prototypes, followed by the selection of two firms to refine their designs into market-ready products. The project may take up to 18 months, with interim purchases of interceptors from abroad.
Parliament has also advanced amendments to the Defence and Security Industry Law, raising the threshold for industrial cooperation agreements from €5 million to €20 million to attract more foreign manufacturers. The Economy and Innovation Ministry will no longer need to participate in drafting such agreements but will provide assessments on their justification.