Lithuanian Armed Forces Commander-in-Chief On Incidents With Drones: I Would Like To Shoot Them Down Over Belarus

• 29.07.2025, 19:31

Lithuania will strengthen drone detection and identification capabilities.

Lithuanian Armed Forces Commander-in-Chief Raimundas Vaiksznoras would like to shoot down wandering drones still over Belarus. But it does not have that capability.

Vaiksznoras' statement is cited by LRT.

The general said that because of the lack of authority to shoot down disoriented drones over Belarus, Lithuania will strengthen its drone detection and identification capabilities to quickly determine if there is a threat.

Lithuania also wants to expand the ability to neutralize drones using electronic or kinetic means.

Lithuanian Defense Minister Dovile Shakalene noted that her country is now learning as quickly as possible from its neighbors and Ukraine how to counter drones.

"We are doing everything possible: we are improving the airspace surveillance system, especially in terms of detecting objects flying at low altitudes in difficult weather conditions. We are purchasing special radars and plan to increase their number, expand the volume of purchases," she added.

She also added that the main issue is that Lithuania cannot shoot down such drones.

"We had to agree very clearly what risk we are taking by destroying objects that potentially pose no threat. That is, to assess the level of threat emanating from this object and the damage from its destruction, if we do not regulate the management of the same civil airspace," the minister said.