The Ministry of National Defence and the U.S Department of War have signed a Letter of Intent today in Paris to guide further cooperation on drone and counter-drone systems. The practical cooperation between the countries is planned to encompass uncrewed aerial and counter-uncrewed aerial system development. 17 countries are joining this initiative.
Lithuania and the United States plan to identify the most prospective solutions in the area, to accelerate their development and integration, and to agree on acquisition. Other areas will include system compatibility and interoperability enhancement to improve effectiveness of system deployments to joint operations. Also, application of general data transfer and processing standards to drone sensor solutions will be considered.
“The U.S.-Lithuanian cooperation on new technology strengthens the general deterrence posture, increases Allied technological edge and creates a long-term security value for the whole region. In the area of drone and counter-drone systems this partnership takes a concrete practical orientation towards capability development, industrial cooperation and innovation exchange. Lithuania views this area as a strategic opportunity to deepen the partnership with the United States, grow the national defence industry and to contribute consistently to the overall transatlantic security,” said Vice Minister of National Defence Vitalija Zumerienė.
The document underscores that Lithuania and the U.S. share the view on the importance of innovation to security. Both countries uphold that new technologies should be integrated faster, expertise should be shared, as well as data on threats and practical operational challenges. Such cooperation would help understand the changing security environment more accurately, to respond to capability gaps faster and to develop defence system solutions that come together better.
