Baltic countries seek EU funding amid drone threat
Photo: Russian Shahed-type drone (Getty Images)
Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia have jointly appealed to the European Commission for additional funding to develop counter-drone capabilities, according to a statement by Lithuanian Defense Minister Robertas Kaunas in a comment to Reuters.
According to him, the three countries want to strengthen their own counter-drone capabilities and are considering joint purchases of the necessary equipment.
Why the Baltic countries turned to the EU
The appeal is linked to concerns over drones that enter the airspace of the Baltic region during Russia’s war against Ukraine.
As Reuters writes, Ukraine has recently increased its use of long-range drones to attack targets in Russia. Some drones involved in such attacks have entered the airspace of the Baltic countries, raising concerns about the possible spread of the war’s consequences beyond Ukraine.
Kaunas did not name the exact amount that Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia requested from the EU.
At the same time, Finnish outlet Iltalehti reported that the amount was €500 million. This figure was not confirmed by the Lithuanian minister.
What they want to buy
The Baltic countries are considering a joint purchase of counter-drone equipment. They plan to prioritize products from the European defense industry.
"We are looking into procuring the capabilities jointly, with preference for the European defence industry," Kaunas said.
According to him, this approach should simultaneously strengthen the resilience of Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia and contribute to the development of Europe’s defense industry.
Russia’s provocations against NATO
Recently, countries on NATO’s eastern flank have increasingly been discussing possible scenarios of escalation by Russia.
Earlier, NATO said it was ready to respond to any provocations and attacks by Russia. An Alliance general emphasized that the organization was prepared to counter potential escalation on Europe’s eastern flank.
At the same time, Lithuania reported receiving intelligence about Russia potentially preparing false flag operations. According to the Lithuanian side, such actions could be aimed at testing NATO’s readiness to respond.
Latvian President Edgars Rinkēvičs also drew attention to possible risks for Alliance countries. He said that even the launch of several Russian missiles at NATO territory could become a serious test for many countries.
