Lithuania allocates €3 million for development of domestic counter-drone system

Lithuania’s Ministry of National Defence (KAM) will allocate approximately €3 million to develop a domestically produced drone interceptor system, according to an announcement published on Monday.

The initiative aims to create a cost-effective and efficient drone system capable of detecting, intercepting, and neutralising hostile aerial targets. The ministry stated that the interceptor drone is intended to become an integral part of Lithuania’s air defence system in the future.

“Strengthening the defence industry and air defence are key priorities, so we want these interceptor drones to be developed and manufactured in Lithuania by our own engineers. This not only strengthens air defence but also retains critical competencies within Lithuania—it is a long-term investment in our own security and defence industry,” said Defence Minister Robertas Kaunas.

The project will be implemented in two phases. The first phase will fund up to three participants to develop technology prototypes. In the second phase, a test batch of products will be purchased from up to two of the best-performing participants.

The ministry noted that this initiative complements existing plans to procure anti-drone systems from the market. The state order also seeks to encourage Lithuanian defence industry and technology developers to contribute to strengthening the country’s air defence capabilities and to create solutions that meet current national security needs.

State orders are one of the funding tools for defence innovations provided for in the Defence and Security Industry Law. Their purpose is to ensure that competencies and technological capabilities important for national security are developed and maintained in Lithuania.

Companies are invited to participate in the competition until 10 July.