A drone training space was opened in Vilnius on Friday as the importance of drones has emerged during Russia’s war against Ukraine.
Among other things, the new space will be used for drone operator courses starting in September, which will be open to all those who want to acquire initial skills to operate UAVs.
“We have not had such a space in Vilnius so far. It’s built on the basis of three segments for different levels of readiness, and different drones can be operated,” Vilnius Mayor Valdas Benkunskas told a press conference on Friday.
“The goal is very clear, as we see all the trends of the war in Ukraine, the desire is for the public to develop their skills in operating UAVs,” he added.
Setting up the training area cost around 50,000 euros, Benkunskas said.
Although this is the only drone training site set up by the municipality so far, the need may arise during the cold season, he added.
Deputy Defence Minister Kamilė Gogelienė says Vilnius is the first city to respond to the ministry’s request to help organise the drone operator training courses planned for the fall.
“We opened the registration [for the courses] yesterday, and September is already fully booked, people are registering very willingly. [...] We have talked about expanding the opportunities for Vilnius residents a little bit, so we will organise more of these courses,” Gogelienė said.
The drone training area is part of the Vilnius defence plans presented in July.
In late May, the Defence Ministry unveiled the so-called Lithuanian UAV ecosystem, which, in addition to drone operator training courses, includes a register of drone operators, incentives for Lithuanian drone manufacturers, funding for the development of this capability within the Lithuanian Riflemen’s Union, and the establishment of drone clubs.
Lithuania’s national defence system is developing its drone capabilities amid the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine, with drones being used extensively by both sides in this conflict.
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