Lithuania Changes Laws to Give Military More Powers to Fight Drones

The Seimas of Lithuania has approved amendments that give the military more powers to fight enemy drones.

LRT reported on this.

Accordingly, the amendments were made to the Law on Aviation and the Statute on the Use of Military Force.

Defense Minister Dovile Shakalienė noted that until now, legislation and procedures have not met modern threats.

“With this amendment to the Statute on the Use of Military Force, we are creating a new legal mechanism so that military force can be used quickly against drones in restricted areas if their flights are carried out in violation of the order established by the army commander,” she said.

According to the amendments, by decision of the Minister of Defense or his authorized representative, it will be possible to use military means against drones in prohibited or restricted areas if they fly in violation of the established conditions, restrictions, or order.

Previously, the military had the right to shoot down aircraft used as weapons in prohibited areas.

The Lithuanian Ministry of Defense noted that the military will now be able to respond more flexibly and effectively to airspace violations by drones and, if necessary, neutralize them.

It is emphasized that even with the updated legal framework, military means will not be used in all cases – only “when absolutely necessary, taking all possible precautions to avoid serious consequences for people and property.”

The amendments to the Aviation Law also provide for a mechanism for establishing restrictive zones and notification procedures in case of airspace violations.

The new rules prohibit civilian aircraft from flying in such zones without special permission. They also introduce an obligation for pilots to use radio communications and transponders.

The amendments were prepared in light of the events of this summer, when Russian Gerbera drones flew into Lithuania, one of which had a warhead.