Expert links downed drone to Russian composite design

A drone destroyed by NATO air defence personnel over Lithuania overnight was likely of Russian composite construction, according to specialist Eduardas Silva, LRT reported.

The drone was brought down near Pratkūnai village in Kaišiadorys District after entering Lithuanian airspace.

“It looks more like an intentional test mission. Most likely, it is a Russian-composite drone,” Silva, the creator of the programme “Poligonas,” told LRT Television.

He said the wreckage contained a large amount of black foam, a material used to reduce the weight of drones. By comparison, drones that attack Russia are usually made from carbon fibre, with only limited use of foam, he said.

Silva estimated that the drone had remained in Lithuanian territory for about 30 minutes. He said it was probably propeller-driven, as a jet-powered aircraft would have travelled considerably faster.

Air traffic was controlled after the drone was detected, and aircraft were moved away from its presumed flight path. Italian fighter jets flew in from Šiauliai and destroyed the intruder, Silva said.

By Tuesday afternoon, the road to Pratkūnai remained closed. Police and military police were on duty at the scene, while several military vehicles had passed through the area, according to LRT reporter Kristina Karlonė.

Operation Shield was still in force as authorities searched for the wreckage. The fragments may have been scattered over a wide area, and the duration of the work had not been estimated. Images released by the military showed debris falling onto a farmer’s field.

Six people live in Pratkūnai village, while three people live in a nearby village.