Ukrainian air defence and autonomous systems experts visit Lithuanian military

A delegation of Ukrainian air defence and autonomous systems experts visited the Lithuanian Armed Forces’ Defence Staff, the military reported on Tuesday.

The delegation included specialists responsible for organising air and missile defence across large parts of Ukraine, including Kyiv. During the visit, Lithuanian representatives presented the current airspace surveillance and control system, air defence capabilities, their development directions, and future expansion plans.

Discussions focused on threat assessments, preparedness for airspace violations, and the risks they pose to national security. Significant attention was given to the use of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and long-range autonomous systems in combat operations.

The talks also covered priorities for short-range air defence, drone detection and neutralisation solutions, the effectiveness of electronic warfare tools, and the integration possibilities of air situation monitoring and early warning systems.

Ukrainian specialists shared practical insights on currently used systems, their effectiveness, and solutions that could be relevant for further strengthening Lithuania’s capabilities.

“The Ukrainian military today has perhaps the most extensive practical experience in the world in dealing with various types of air threats—from missiles to unmanned systems. The opportunity to directly exchange experiences with these specialists allows us to better understand emerging threats and more effectively plan Lithuania’s air defence capabilities,” said Brigadier General Giedrius Premeneckas, as quoted in the statement.

The meeting also addressed lessons learned from Ukraine’s war experience in air defence, as well as accumulated combat experience. Together with representatives of the Lithuanian Air Force and the Training and Doctrine Command, the experts evaluated Lithuania’s air defence plans, analysed the integration possibilities of drones and other autonomous systems, and discussed the most important lessons of the war.

Prospects for defence and security cooperation were also discussed, with particular focus on air defence, airspace monitoring, and situation management procedures, tools, and experience.