Lithuania expects counter-drone systems by late summer

Lithuania’s Chief of Defence, General Raimundas Vaikšnoras, has stated that the country expects to receive Merops counter-drone systems for testing by the second half of the summer, according to an interview on LRT Radio’s Svarbus pokalbis programme.

However, the general noted that delivery timelines for drones and other essential defence capabilities depend on procurement procedures, which are often delayed by bureaucratic hurdles. “I wanted [the drones] yesterday, but I don’t always get what I want at that moment,” Vaikšnoras said, emphasising that procurement is handled by the Armaments and Resources Agency, not the military command.

He highlighted that efforts are also underway to acquire Ukrainian drone technologies. “If someone thinks we’re sitting like ducks doing nothing, that’s not true. It’s just that we may not yet be achieving the effect we want today,” the general stated.

Vaikšnoras criticised the current procurement mechanisms, which he said are not adapted for wartime or crisis conditions. He called for faster decision-making, noting that while threats exist, control institutions must align their processes accordingly. “If we want to fight or defend ourselves against any drone this evening, then all controlling institutions must make the necessary decisions,” he argued.

Regarding the rotation of US troops in Lithuania, Vaikšnoras said the exact timing of the next deployment remains unclear, as decisions rest with the White House. However, he expects clarity by mid-June, citing positive signals from the US due to Lithuania’s reliability as a partner, its contributions to its own defence, and its support in Afghanistan and the Strait of Hormuz.

He added that some US personnel and equipment remain in Lithuania, while parts of the new rotation have already arrived.