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Ukraine demonstrates advanced air defence capabilities to Lithuania and plans joint support for defence startups

Mykhailo Fedorov, Robertas Kaunas, and the delegation during a visit to mobile fire group positions
Ukraine’s Minister of Defence, Mykhailo Fedorov, and his Lithuanian counterpart, Robertas Kaunas, visited mobile fire group positions protecting Ukraine’s skies

During a visit to Ukraine, a delegation from the Lithuanian Ministry of National Defence, led by Minister Robertas Kaunas, was briefed on the operation of the air defence system. Ukraine and Lithuania also discussed strengthening cooperation and enhancing support for defence startups.

Capabilities of interceptors and autonomous air defence turrets

Ukraine’s Minister of Defence, Mykhailo Fedorov, and his Lithuanian counterpart, Robertas Kaunas, visited mobile fire group positions protecting Ukraine’s skies. The parties were briefed on how daily operations are conducted and the technological solutions already deployed in combat conditions.

An autonomous air defence turret equipped with artificial intelligence to counter missiles and strike drones was demonstrated.

Mykhailo Fedorov and Robertas Kaunas observe a mobile fire group in action and its air defence equipment
The parties were briefed on the technological solutions already deployed in combat conditions

The delegation was also briefed on interceptor drone operations. Modern armed conflicts have demonstrated the importance of interceptors as part of a layered air defence system.

The Lithuanian delegation observed first-hand how Ukrainian warriors counter aerial threats.

Ukrainian service members operate a mobile command post during combat duty
The Lithuanian delegation observed first-hand how Ukrainian warriors counter aerial threats

“Ukraine is building a comprehensive airspace protection model that integrates different types of air defence capabilities. This approach is already delivering results and generating experience that no other country in the world currently possesses. Through win-win partnerships, our expertise can strengthen NATO’s entire eastern flank,” Mykhailo Fedorov emphasised.

In February, interceptor drones shot down a record number of enemy fixed-wing UAVs, including Shahed and Gerbera drones – over 10,000.

Ukraine’s War Plan sets the goal of identifying 100% of aerial threats in real time and intercepting at least 95% of missiles and drones. To protect civilians and critical infrastructure, Ukraine has launched the development of a multi-layered lower-tier air defence system.

Defence startup investment and military support

During a bilateral meeting, Mykhailo Fedorov discussed the development of bilateral security cooperation with his Lithuanian counterpart.

Mykhailo Fedorov and Robertas Kaunas during an official meeting, with the Ukrainian and Lithuanian flags in the background
Mykhailo Fedorov discussed the development of bilateral security cooperation with his Lithuanian counterpart

 The parties discussed launching a joint project within the Brave1 cluster to strengthen support for defence startups from Ukrainian and Lithuanian companies. One of the promising areas of cooperation is airspace protection.

Mykhailo Fedorov during a meeting with Lithuania’s Minister of National Defence
Mykhailo Fedorov expressed gratitude to Lithuania for its consistent support

“Lithuania is and will remain one of Ukraine’s most steadfast allies. It is time to take our fraternal bond and bilateral cooperation to the next level. We remain open to closer defence industry cooperation, as we would like to see more Ukrainian knowledge and expertise in Lithuania,” said Lithuania’s Minister of National Defence, Robertas Kaunas.

In turn, Mykhailo Fedorov thanked Lithuania for its consistent support, including allocating 0.25% of GDP annually to security assistance to Ukraine, contributions to the PURL (Prioritised Ukraine Requirements List) mechanism, and its readiness to expand cooperation.

Lithuania’s Minister of National Defence, Robertas Kaunas, during talks with Ukraine’s Minister of Defence, Mykhailo Fedorov
The parties discussed launching a joint project within the Brave1 cluster

Ukraine outlined its defence cooperation priorities, including:

  • funding the production of Ukrainian drones;
  • supplying extended-range artillery ammunition;
  • continued support for the PURL programme.

The Ukrainian side also briefed partners on the current situation at the front. 

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