The delegation of the Lithuanian Ministry of National Defense, led by Minister Robertas Kaunas, during their visit to Ukraine, familiarized themselves with the operations of Ukraine’s air defense system. Ukraine and Lithuania also discussed the development of cooperation and support for defense startups.
Ukrainian Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov and Robertas Kaunas visited the positions of mobile fire units that protect Ukrainian airspace. The parties reviewed the organization of their daily operations and the technological solutions already applied under combat conditions.
An autonomous anti-aircraft turret using artificial intelligence to engage missiles and attack drones was demonstrated, as well as the operation of interceptor drones. Experience from modern armed conflicts has shown the importance of interceptors as part of a layered air defense system.
The Lithuanian delegation witnessed firsthand how Ukrainian troops neutralize aerial threats.
"Ukraine is creating a comprehensive airspace defense model that integrates different types of air defense assets. This approach is already producing results and creating expertise that no other country in the world currently has. Within win-win partnerships, our expertise can strengthen NATO’s entire eastern flank," emphasized Mykhailo Fedorov.
In February, interceptor drones shot down a record number of enemy fixed-wing UAVs, including Shahed and Gerbera drones—over 10,000 in total.
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Ukraine’s war plan includes identifying 100% of aerial threats in real time and intercepting at least 95% of incoming missiles and drones. To protect people and critical infrastructure, Ukraine has begun creating a multi-layered “small” air defense system.
During a bilateral meeting, Mykhailo Fedorov discussed with his Lithuanian counterpart the development of security partnership. They explored the possibility of launching a joint project within the Brave1 cluster, which would strengthen support for defense startups of Ukrainian and Lithuanian companies. One promising area of cooperation is air defense.
"Lithuania is and will remain one of Ukraine’s most devoted allies. It is time to take our fraternal ties and bilateral cooperation to a new level. We are ready for closer collaboration in the defense sector, as we want Ukrainian knowledge and experience to be more broadly represented in Lithuania," stated Minister of National Defense Robertas Kaunas.
At the same time, Mykhailo Fedorov thanked Lithuania for its stable support, including allocating 0.25% of GDP annually for security assistance to Ukraine, contributions to the PURL (Prioritized Ukraine Requirements List) mechanism, and willingness to expand cooperation. Ukraine outlined defense cooperation priorities, including:
- Funding the production of Ukrainian drones
- Supplying artillery shells with extended range
- Continuing support for the PURL programme
The Ukrainian side also provided partners with up-to-date information on the situation at the front.
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