Lithuania bans use of Chinese equipment by state institutions
Security camera (Getty Images)
As China has been placed on the list of untrustworthy countries, the use of Chinese-made technology in Lithuanian state institutions is deemed unacceptable. The official ban will take effect starting in 2025, citing LRT.
Chinese surveillance cameras, phones, cameras, drones, computers, and other equipment must be replaced in all Lithuanian state institutions. The ban will also apply to technology from other countries on the untrustworthy list.
The Ministry of the Interior, police departments, fire and rescue services, and the border guard have already begun replacing technical equipment. However, alternatives are much more expensive, slowing down the process.
"Maybe two-thirds of the cameras have been replaced by the Police Department, old Chinese cameras are still used to protect physical objects. But the Police Department is committed to replacing them as soon as possible," said Lithuanian Deputy Minister of the Interior Arnoldas Abramavičius.
The biggest challenge has arisen with drones. There are very few alternatives on the market at relevant prices. This applies not only to combat drones but also to unmanned aerial vehicles for surveillance, video recording, and photography. The government is seeking replacements from domestic manufacturers.
Drones produced by the Lithuanian company Unmanned Defense Systems are currently operating successfully in Ukraine. The Lithuanian Ministry of Defense will soon sign contracts for further purchases of these drones for both Ukraine and the Lithuanian Armed Forces.
Vitenis Buzas, CEO of the company, reminded that UAVs must not only meet NATO standards but also comply with a new rule that will come into effect in 2025: no components should come from China.
Lithuanian drones are more expensive due to the complex process of replacing their structure with Chinese components. Buzas explained that it took the company a year and a half to achieve this, as the replacement was done at all levels, from bolts to electronics.
"It was not easy, but it is possible. You have to invest time and money, and inevitably the product becomes more expensive," he said.
As a reminder, drones from Lithuanian companies recently passed tests in Ukraine successfully.
Also, Lithuania announced a new large-scale military aid package for Ukraine.
