The Lithuanian defense ministry says it has begun the procedure to buy 35 unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) in the mini and small classes.
The acquisition is expected to amount to approximately 36 million euros (approx. $35.9B), based on market analysis carried out by the defense ministry.
“Acquisition of these systems will significantly improve the Lithuanian military intelligence capabilities. The Lithuanian Armed Forces currently have no tactical unmanned aircraft suitable for reconnaissance,” Ukrainian defense minister Arvydas Anušauskas said.
In addition to the mini and small UAVs, the Lithuanian defense ministry confirmed that the process to buy Switchblade loitering munitions was also underway.
Switchblade is a weaponized small unmanned aerial system, back-packable and rapidly deployable from ground platforms including a 6-pack launcher. It provides precision strike capabilities up to 10 kilometers (6 miles) from its launch location.
These procurements are part of Lithuania’s plans to invest over 1 billion euros in military equipment, which would be acquired from the United States and Germany.
In addition to the unmanned systems, items listed by the defense ministry include Javelin anti-tank weapons, radars and armored vehicles. The country said in April this year that the defense spending was the result of Russia’s invasion in Ukraine.
