Lithuanian Riflemen’s Union gets land for drone competence centre

Lithuania’s National Land Service has transferred nearly 52 hectares of state land in Druckūnai village, Varėna district, to the Lithuanian Riflemen’s Union to manage in trust, LRT reported. The union plans to establish a drone competence centre there.

It is also considering building infrastructure for the Alytus, Marijampolė, Kaunas and Vilnius regions to develop drone and counter-drone capabilities.

National Land Service acting head Dovydas Petraškas said using state land for defence and security needs was one way to help achieve the country’s strategic goals. He said the nearly 52-hectare plot would strengthen the state’s defence and security capabilities.

Lithuanian Riflemen’s Union commander Linas Idzelis said the growing importance of unmanned aircraft was increasing demand for specialists able to operate and neutralise them.

“Drones have changed the modern battlefield, but it is not enough to have them. We need people who can operate, adapt and repair drones, work in electronic warfare conditions and know how to defend against them,” Idzelis said. “In Druckūnai, we want to create a place where these skills can be practised regularly.”

The land is currently used for agriculture. To prepare it for the planned activities, the Varėna District Municipality’s general plan may need to be amended or revised.

The government approved the transfer of the land to the Lithuanian Riflemen’s Union in mid-September.