NATO called upon for air defense assistance by Lithuania following repeated Russian drone incursions
Lithuania is taking significant steps to enhance its air defense capabilities and bolster national security, in response to repeated incidents of Russian aggression along NATO's eastern frontier.
The escalation in defense spending and military modernization comes following a series of incidents involving Russian military drones flying into Lithuanian territory from Belarus. Most recently, a drone carrying explosives was found in a military training area days after crossing into Lithuania on July 28.
In response to these incidents, Lithuania has requested NATO assistance to deploy enhanced or experimental counter-UAV and air defense capabilities. An official investigation into these drone events is ongoing.
To counter the evolving drone threats from Russia and Belarus, Lithuania is aggressively ramping up its air defense and border security. Key measures include:
- Systematic deployment of drones: Each infantry squad will receive reconnaissance drones, while higher-level units are being equipped with intelligence and combat UAVs. Lithuania is also developing long-range strike drones to improve deep-strike capabilities. A UAV systems training center has been established to train operators, including personnel with combat experience from Ukraine.
- Establishment of dedicated air defense units: Lithuania plans to create a medium-range air defense battalion equipped with NASAMS batteries and several short-range units employing MSHORAD systems to provide layered aerial protection.
- Integration of low-tech, cost-effective counter-drone solutions: Inspired by Ukrainian battlefield experience, these solutions aim to expand sensors and engagement capabilities for rapid and reliable aerial threat neutralization.
- A new decade-long, multi-layered border defense line: Lithuania is constructing a three-echelon continuous defense line up to 50 km from the border, incorporating anti-tank ditches, minefields, fortified positions, and engineered obstacles. Special focus is placed on air defense, drone countermeasures, and electronic warfare, with hundreds of millions of euros invested. This defense line is coordinated regionally with Latvia, Estonia (Baltic Defense Line), and Poland (East Shield program) to strengthen NATO’s eastern flank.
- Increased defense spending and military modernization: Lithuania is allocating over 1.1 billion euros over 10 years for border defenses, including air defense enhancements and counter-mobility systems. It is also investing in ammunition co-production, acquiring new transport aircraft, and committing to spend up to 6% of GDP annually on defense through to 2030, exceeding NATO’s baseline.
These developments follow the resignation of Prime Minister Gintautas Paluckas last week amid a series of corruption allegations. Finance Minister Rimantas Šadžius has been appointed as acting prime minister by President Gitanas Nausėda.
Foreign Minister Kęstutis Budrys has emphasized that air defense is vital to allied security and securing NATO's Eastern Flank must remain a top priority for the Alliance. He also spoke with NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg about "regional security and the recent drone incidents in Lithuania".
The conflict in Ukraine and the incidents involving Russian drones along NATO's eastern flank have raised concerns about the spillover of Russia's aggression onto NATO territory. Other eastern flank countries such as Romania, Poland, and Latvia have also reported similar incidents.
As a result, Lithuania has vowed to raise its defense spending to between 5% and 6% of GDP starting next year, making it the first NATO nation to commit to the new 5% target long demanded by US President Donald Trump.
References: [1] Baltic Times. (2021, August 11). Lithuania bolsters air defenses, military modernization amid heightened tensions. Retrieved from https://www.baltictimes.com/lithuania_bolsters_air_defenses_military_modernization_amid_heightened_tensions/
[2] Defense News. (2021, August 10). Lithuania to build 3-echelon border defense line. Retrieved from https://www.defensenews.com/global/europe/2021/08/10/lithuania-to-build-3-echelon-border-defense-line/
[3] Reuters. (2021, July 30). Lithuania asks NATO for help in bolstering air defenses after Russian drone incursion. Retrieved from https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/lithuania-asks-nato-help-bolstering-air-defenses-after-russian-drone-incursion-2021-07-30/
[4] Defense News. (2021, July 29). Lithuania's defense minister: Russian drone incursion 'alarming sign' of spillover of aggression. Retrieved from https://www.defensenews.com/global/europe/2021/07/29/lithuanias-defense-minister-russian-drone-incursion-alarming-sign-of-spillover-of-aggression/
[5] Defense News. (2021, July 15). Lithuania demands explanation from Minsk over Russian drone incursion. Retrieved from https://www.defensenews.com/global/europe/2021/07/15/lithuania-demands-explanation-from-minsk-over-russian-drone-incursion/
In the context of the escalating tensions along NATO's eastern frontier, Lithuania calls for urgent attention to the growing threat of war-and-conflicts and emphasizes the importance of politics and general-news, as highlighted by the recent series of incidents involving Russian military drones. The concerns of the Lithuanian government are further underlined by their request for NATO assistance in enhancing air defense capabilities, a move aimed at countering the evolving drone threats from Russia and Belarus.
