Defence Ministry buying Lithuanian-made drones for EUR 8mn

The Defence Materiel Agency is buying drones worth EUR 8 million from five Lithuanian manufacturers of combat drones, the National Defence Ministry said Monday. The new unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) are intended for the Lithuanian military and Ukrainian armed forces.

„We seek to promote the production of drones and anti-drones in Lithuania. (&) The testing in Ukraine and the contracts signed are a great encouragement and a big step for our drone manufacturers. This acquisition definitely concerns vital national security interests,“ National Defence Minister Laurynas Kasčiūnas says.

The agency signed contracts with Dangolakis, RSI Europe, Ltmiltech, Granta Autonomy and Unmanned Defense Systems.

More than 2,300 combat drones (FPVs) worth EUR 3 million will be delivered to the Lithuanian Armed Forces and almost 5,000 drones of the same type valued a EUR 5 million will be sent to the Ukrainian Armed Forces.

The first drones are expected to reach Ukraine by end-September. All drones will be delivered to the militaries of both Ukraine and Lithuania by the end of this year.