Turkey is gifting the Bayraktar TB2 Lithuania was going to purchase, while the Lithuanian Ministry of National Defence will make sure the combat drone is delivered to Ukraine fully armed. This is the outcome of the coordination Vice Minister Vilius Semeška had with the Turkish Defence Agency and the Baykar Technology enterprise.
“Excellent initiatives don’t go unnoticed. We took the trip to Turkey to arrange the terms and conditions and transfer procedures, while they presented to us the best surprise possible. Turkey was enthralled by the big initiative of our small country and we are deeply grateful to Turkey. Now Ukraine will get the combat drone and humanitarian assistance on top,” says Vice Minister V. Semeška.
It was agreed during the meetings on June 1-2 that Turkey would present to Lithuania the Bayraktar TB2 in latest configuration with optical and other standard equipment. The manufacturer has committed to get the drone ready in the coming weeks.
The Lithuanian Air Force will then bring the tactical unmanned aerial vehicle to Lithuania and it will be transferred to the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
According to the wish expressed by the Turkish side, the EUR 5,9 million crowdfunded by the Lithuanian people will be used to supply additional humanitarian, logistical, and reconstruction aid to Ukraine. EUR 1,5 million of the amount is planned to be used to fully arm the Bayraktar TB2 before delivering it to Ukraine.
Media opportunity
June 3, 10:15 a.m. Minister of National Defence Arvydas Anušauskas, Vice MInister Vilius Semeška, and journalist and public figure Andrius Tapinas will provide further commentary at a press event at the Ministry of National Defence.
Media representatives need to register at [email protected], or +370 682 92 582, until 9.00 a.m. on June 3 to attend (please give your full name, media outlet, contacts).
Freelance reporters and foreign media representatives will need accreditation issued by the Lithuanian MoD Strategic Communication and Public Relations Department.
