The first locally produced FPV drones were delivered to the Lithuanian Armed Forces, some of which will be transferred to Ukraine.

The Lithuanian Ministry of Defense reported on this on Friday, October 11.

The drones for both Lithuania and Ukraine are purchased with all additional tools and equipment needed to launch and control them. The price also includes operator training.

“The drones have already been transported to the Lithuanian army warehouses. By the end of the year, the Lithuanian army and the Armed Forces of Ukraine will be equipped with the Lithuanian combat drones,” said Minister of National Defense Laurynas Kasčiūnas.

Prior to the purchase, the Ministry of Defense tested the Lithuanian combat drones in Ukraine in conditions as close to combat as possible.

Following these tests, contracts were signed with five Lithuanian companies: Dangolakis, RSI Europe, Ltmiltech, Granta Autonomy and Unmanned Defense Systems.

These kamikaze drones are delivered fully assembled, so the operator only needs to connect the necessary warhead (ammunition) and perform a combat mission.

It is noted that each of the five drone manufacturers had developed its own unique solutions to reduce the impact of electronic warfare on the drones.

In August, Lithuanian Defense Minister Laurynas Kasčiūnas said that the Defense Resources Agency under the Lithuanian Ministry of National Defense had been purchasing the drones worth €8 million.

As part of these agreements, the Lithuanian army will be supplied with more than 2,300 FPV drones worth €3 million, and the Ukrainian Defense Forces will receive almost 5,000 drones of the same type for €5 million by the end of this year.

Last month, the General Jonas Žemaitis Military Academy of Lithuania opened the Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) Competence Centre. At this center, the Lithuanian residents who want to acquire the necessary skills and expand their competencies for the defense needs will be able to learn the intricacies of UAV operation.

Also in September, the Lithuanian military began receiving the latest Parrot Anafi UKR quadcopters by the French manufacturer.