Lithuania to remain without drone detection capabilities until 2027–2028, warns conservative leader

Lithuania will not have a functional system to detect drones before 2027–2028 at the earliest, conservative opposition leader Laurynas Kasčiūnas warned on Tuesday, urging the government to accelerate defence procurement.

Speaking to journalists in parliament, Kasčiūnas criticised the ruling Social Democrats for failing to act swiftly after last summer’s security incidents. “The National Security and Defence Committee [NSGK] received a plan, but its implementation is moving too slowly,” he said.

According to Kasčiūnas, even under the most optimistic timeline, Lithuania will only acquire a “sophisticated detection system capable of identifying drones at low altitudes and distinguishing them from other objects” by 2027–2028. “This means we’ll remain blind to unmanned aerial threats until then,” he stated.

The politician called for immediate negotiations with Ukraine to adopt its drone-defence technologies, noting that while Kyiv currently restricts exports due to wartime demands, Lithuania must push for cooperation. He also stressed the need to develop domestic defence manufacturing.

His remarks follow Monday’s incident in which a suspected Ukrainian drone crashed in Varėna district. Authorities confirmed neither the military nor border guards detected the object; its presence was reported by local residents.

Prime Minister Ingrida Ruginienė acknowledged the challenges in procuring air defence systems, stating full capabilities are not expected until 2030. Defence Minister Robertas Kaunas reported partial radar deliveries are underway, with remaining units due by 2026–2028. The ministry is engaging with the US, Israel, Ukraine, Czechia, and other partners to expedite acquisitions.

Chief of Defence General Raimundas Vaikšnoras expressed dissatisfaction with the timeline but noted uncontrollable factors affect procurement speed.