Lithuania forms long-range military drone unit

The Armed Forces of Lithuania are establishing a new drone warfare unit, according to the country’s Ministry of Defence.

Lithuanian media reports that the Armed Forces have created a new unit for autonomous long-range unmanned operations (ANBO), aimed at developing long-range drone capabilities. The decision to form the unit was presented by Lithuanian Armed Forces Commander Raimundas Vaikšnoras.

“The main task and purpose of this unit is to consolidate and centralise the unmanned aviation capabilities of the Lithuanian Armed Forces and other institutions within the military structure, as well as to develop long-range strike capabilities using unmanned systems,” the statement said.

The army chief emphasised that the conflict in Ukraine has demonstrated the growing importance of drones in modern warfare.

“Therefore, we should not chase processes but centralise and purposefully develop them. This is a new stage in strengthening the Lithuanian Armed Forces’ unmanned capabilities. We are centralising resources, giving these capabilities a clear structure and direction: reconnaissance, offensive and defensive operations, and the development of deep-strike capabilities,” Vaikšnoras said.

The new unit is expected to be responsible for long-range drone strikes, as well as counter-drone systems and electronic warfare capabilities.