Economy and Innovation Minister Edvinas Grikšas said Wednesday that the country has launched a 3-million-euro call to develop measures against smuggling balloons, which would also protect airspace from drones.
“The primary idea was always directed at weather balloons, but we see that anti-drone systems are also important. It must be a dynamic solution for a multi-layered defence system,” Grikšas told the Verslo Žinios daily on Wednesday.
According to the minister, while balloons remain the main target, the solution must cover a broader system of aerial threats, including drones. A pre-commercial procurement with technical specifications is planned for the near future, open to both previous tender winners and new companies.
“An air defence system is perhaps one of the most complex solutions in the context of current technological development. There are balloons, drones; it is important that the solution is not directed at just one answer, just balloons. It should be applicable as part of an air defence system in general,” the minister said.
Grikšas added that he expects a product could be developed within six months, with a pilot batch ready a few months later.
The ministry previously announced a 1 million euro call for such technologies, with funding awarded to the companies IT Logika, Teltonika and Dangaus Šviesos.
The incentive has now been increased to 3 million euros to accelerate the development of solutions.
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