Lithuanian lawmakers on Tuesday gave the country’s armed forces legal powers to shoot down drones entering the country’s airspace.
Under the amendments, the defence minister may decide to use military force against drones in a prohibited or restricted zone. Previously, soldiers could only use force against aircraft that were being used as weapons in prohibited zones.
"With these changes to the Statute on the Use of Military Force, we are creating a new basis for the use of military force so that it can be used quickly against unmanned aircraft in a restricted area if their flights are carried out in violation of the procedures established by the chief of defense," said Defence Minister Dovilė Šakalienė.
The amendments were drafted in response to events over the summer when two Russian Gerbera drones flew into Lithuania, one of which was carrying explosives.
According to the Defence Ministry, the military will be able to respond more flexibly and effectively to airspace violations by drones.
Military force would not be used in all cases, the ministry said, adding that it would only be used "when absolutely necessary for military purposes, taking all possible precautions to avoid serious consequences for persons or property".
Meanwhile, the amendments to the Aviation Law provide for a mechanism for activating restricted zones and information procedures in response to airspace violations.
The chief of defence will be given powers to respond promptly to potential or actual airspace violations and to request the air traffic service provider to immediately activate or deactivate restricted areas.
Under the new regulations, civil aircraft will not be allowed to fly in restricted areas without obtaining permission.
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