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Lithuania Strengthens Military With Ukrainian Tech and Local Mine Manufacturing Push
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![Photo of Dariia Mykhailenko]( "Photo of Dariia Mykhailenko")
Lithuania is ramping up its defense capabilities with two major initiatives: the deployment of Ukrainian-made acoustic drone detection systems and a $545 million investment in anti-tank mines over the next decade.
Starting in 2026, Lithuania plans to deploy an acoustic UAV detection system developed in Ukraine. The Ukrainian tech uses acoustic sensors that detect the distinctive sounds of Russian cruise missiles, long-range missiles, and unmanned aerial vehicles, the system transmits the acoustic data—combined with radar inputs—to mobile firing teams equipped with tablets and anti-aircraft gun.
Speaking to national broadcaster LRT on July 28, Chief of Defense Raimundas Vaikšnoras said the technology will complement Lithuania’s existing radar-based air surveillance capabilities.
“This year has already marked the beginning—we allocated funds for procurement. Testing will be conducted by the end of the year, and as the Air Force Commander mentioned today, deployment of these systems will begin next year,” Vaikšnoras noted.
He added that the implementation was slightly delayed due to bureaucratic and technical hurdles: “This is, so to speak, a Ukrainian system, which had to be adapted to our American platforms because of some sensitive integration nuances.”
Meanwhile, Lithuania’s Defense Ministry has unveiled plans to invest approximately $545 million over the next ten years in anti-tank mines, prioritizing domestic production, according to LRT on July 29. However, local defense companies have voiced concern that the current tender specifications favor Polish-made models, potentially sidelining Lithuanian developers.
“This would be the first time an A-category weapon is produced in Lithuania – either partially or entirely. It would mark a major breakthrough for our defense industry,” said Darius Antanaitis, co-founder of Ostaralab.
Despite the optimism, business representatives remain cautious. “The specifications are strict. To meet them, we would need to completely redesign a mine to match the Polish model,” said Vincas Jurgutis of the Lithuanian Defense and Security Industry Association.
According to LRT, Vice Defense Minister Loreta Maskaliovienė emphasized that the order will involve tens of thousands of mines and amount to a multimillion-euro contract. She confirmed that Lithuania intends to invest a total of about $872 million in anti-tank and anti-personnel mines over the next decade.
Six months after officially exiting the Ottawa Convention, Lithuania plans to announce a new tender for the production of anti-personnel mines, LRT reported.
Earlier, Lithuania announced plans to allocate up to $32.7 million to support Ukraine’s acquisition of US-made Patriot air defense systems.
