August 31, 2024

Lithuania orders UAVs from Threod Systems, Edge Autonomy, and Deftools

By Defence Industry Europe

The Lithuanian Ministry of Defence has announced a significant investment of EUR 36 million in various types of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) as part of its ongoing effort to modernise the country's armed forces. The Defence Materiel Agency has signed contracts for the acquisition of drones from multiple companies across the Baltic region, including small-class reconnaissance drones from Latvia’s Edge Autonomy, mini-class reconnaissance drones from Estonia’s Threod Systems, and micro-class quadcopter drones from Lithuania’s Deftools.

According to a press release from the ministry, most of these UAVs will be delivered this autumn, with the remaining units expected in early 2025. The procurement process is being expedited to swiftly enhance the UAV capabilities of the Lithuanian Armed Forces.

“The acquisition and deployment of UAVs is one of the top priorities in order to have modern armed forces, and the development of this capability, ongoing for over 15 years now, is gaining momentum,” stated the ministry. The Lithuanian government plans to allocate approximately EUR 200 million for the acquisition of all types of UAVs by 2030, averaging around EUR 30 million per year.

Threod Systems, one of the suppliers, expressed their satisfaction at being selected for the contract. The company will provide the Lithuanian military with its advanced Eos C VTOL mini reconnaissance drones, designed to enhance situational awareness, surveillance, and targeting capabilities.

Edge Autonomy, another supplier, will deliver its Penguin C VTOL uncrewed aircraft systems to Lithuania. The Penguin C VTOL is notable for its ability to take off and land in varied environments, making it a versatile option for the Lithuanian Armed Forces. Edge Autonomy highlighted the importance of agility and adaptability in modern defence systems, noting that their technologies are already in use across nearly 80 countries worldwide.

Lithuania’s Minister of National Defence, Laurynas Kasčiūnas, underscored the strategic importance of integrating UAVs across all branches of the military, including the National Defence Volunteer Forces and the Military Academy General Povilas Plechavičius Cadet Lyceum. “We have made the decision to buy drones for our entire army, integrating the National Defence Volunteer Forces, the Military Academy General Povilas Plechavičius Cadet Lyceum, in order to build a drone ecosystem,” Kasčiūnas said.