o gynybos system needs strengthening, says foreign minister

Foreign Minister Kęstutis Budrys has stated that Lithuania’s air defence system does not cover all threats and must be strengthened.

Speaking to reporters outside the Presidential Palace on Tuesday, Budrys acknowledged that the current system has gaps in altitude, range and protected areas. “We understand that air defence systems do not cover the entire altitude, all distances and all objects, and work is being done to address this,” he said.

The minister stressed that strengthening air defences requires close coordination with allies. He pointed to recent incidents in Poland and Lithuania, which led to the launch of NATO’s Eagle Guardian operation, and said further measures should follow. “I very much hope that before the NATO summit in Ankara we will have multiple opportunities to discuss this,” he added.

Budrys said institutions are still assessing information about Monday night’s drone incident over Lake Lavys in Varėna District, which was not detected by military radar. Once the facts are confirmed, Lithuania will issue a protest note to Belarus.

“The Air Force records the violation, documents all circumstances and, based on that, we then issue a note. When those circumstances are set out, we will take action,” he said.

Earlier reports indicated that the drone, which exploded early Monday, may have originated in Belarus. Defence Minister Robertas Kaunas suggested it was more likely Ukrainian and had strayed due to electronic warfare interference.

In 2024, Lithuania recorded two incursions by Russian Gerbera drones, one carrying explosives. Officials determined these drones were targeting Ukraine but were accidentally diverted into Lithuanian airspace when Ukrainian electronic countermeasures disrupted their flight paths.