Lithuanian MoD Earmarks €36M to Buy Small, Mini UAVs Including Switchblades

Lithuania’s defense ministry has set aside €36 million to procure 35 unmanned aircraft systems (UAS).

In a statement, the ministry said it plans to buy 26 sets of "mini" type and 9 sets of "small" type UAV systems.

"Acquiring these systems will significantly improve the intelligence capabilities of the Lithuanian army. At the moment, the Lithuanian army does not have such military-purpose, tactical-level unmanned aerial vehicle systems for carrying out intelligence tasks," says Minister of National Defense Arvydas Anušauskas.

The drones needed to perform reconnaissance tasks must be Class I (up to 150 kg), meeting the requirements of "mini" and "small" systems. Such drones are designed to detect and identify targets, track them, assess the impact of actions, artillery fire, monitor and adjust fire control actions.

Mini drones weigh up to 20kg, have a range of up to 25km, and an altitude of up to 1000m. "Small" type drones weigh more than 20 kg, their operating radius is up to 50km, operating altitude is up to 1500m.

With the help of the U.S. Government, the acquisition of U.S.-made Switchblade combat drones is also currently planned, the ministry said.