The Lithuanian military said it tested private-sector systems for detecting and destroying drones and balloons during the international research exercise Vanguard 26 at the Rūdninkai training ground on Friday.
The exercise, held from June 1 to 5, aimed to evaluate counter-unmanned aerial systems – including kamikaze drones and balloons – in airspace defence and land operations.
According to the military, 15 companies from Lithuania, the United States, France, Britain, Ukraine, Poland and Belgium tested the capabilities of their detection and destruction systems by engaging targets with their own equipment.
The exercise was organised by the Lithuanian Armed Forces Training and Doctrine Command, which is responsible for innovation and cooperation with the country’s defence and security industry via a one-stop shop principle.
The institution advises innovators, selects the most promising solutions and organises testing within military infrastructure.
The military said this allows planning and procurement authorities to evaluate and select the most effective solutions for countering aerial threats.
Drone incidents have become more frequent in the Baltic states recently, with most cases involving off-course Ukrainian drones or those directed towards Russia. Baltic nations say this is a consequence of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine and that such incidents may recur.
In late May, air alerts were declared twice in Lithuania due to airspace violations.
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