Lithuania seeks to buy intercepting drone test batch without public tender

Lithuania’s Ministry of National Defence has requested government approval to purchase a test batch of 48 intercepting drones from a US manufacturer without a public procurement process, LRT reports.

Defence Minister Robertas Kaunas submitted a proposal to the government on Saturday, seeking permission for the Defence Resources Agency to acquire the AS3/MEROPS system—comprising 24 drones with thermal imaging and training parachutes and another 24 with radio wave sensors—from US-based Perennial Autonomy.

The ministry argues that a standard tender would risk selecting a cheaper but less capable supplier, compromising “vital national security interests.” Officials stressed that the system has already been combat-tested in Ukraine under conditions similar to Lithuania’s climate and operational needs.

“Other manufacturers can only offer basic-level products,” the ministry stated, adding that the AS3/MEROPS integrates radar, optical sensors, AI, and intercepting drones to detect and neutralise threats before they reach protected areas—a critical capability in modern conflicts where drone attacks are fast and unpredictable.

The purchase follows increased urgency after two Russian drones entered Lithuanian airspace last summer, one carrying explosives, alongside repeated incidents involving stray Ukrainian drones and smuggling balloons posing aviation risks.

Kaunas clarified that the acquisition is for a trial batch to assess integration with Lithuania’s existing air defence architecture. A successful test would enhance the military’s defensive capabilities, the ministry said.