Lithuania has begun deploying the Ukrainian SkyFortress drone detection system
Lithuania has started deploying a pilot version of the Ukrainian SkyFortress airspace surveillance system. It is intended to help detect low-flying unmanned aerial vehicles and cruise missiles, which are more difficult to spot with traditional surveillance means.
This was reported by the Ministry of National Defence of Lithuania.
SkyFortress was created in Ukraine and uses acoustic and radio-frequency signals. The system records the sound or electromagnetic footprint of an aerial object, and then, using artificial intelligence, can classify and track it in real time.
According to the Minister of National Defence of Lithuania, Robertas Kaunas, Vilnius decided not to develop similar technology from scratch, but to adapt a solution that already works in Ukraine. SkyFortress is to strengthen precisely the initial link of air defence - timely detection and observation of a threat.
The contract for testing the system was signed in the summer of 2026. It provides not only for the installation of sensors, but also for the processing of the data they collect, the use of libraries of acoustic and radio-frequency "digital signatures" of targets, as well as the training of Lithuanian personnel.
During the pilot phase, the military will assess how effectively SkyFortress can detect and identify low-flying drones specifically in Lithuanian conditions. Based on the results of the tests, a decision may be made on further use of the system.
The deployment of Ukrainian technology comes amid increased attention by the Baltic states to protection against drones. In September, a drone that entered the country's airspace from Belarus was shot down over Lithuania for the first time. It was intercepted by Italian fighters stationed in Šiauliai as part of the NATO mission.
The Baltic states have also previously agreed to build up air defence capabilities, counter-drone systems, and networks of acoustic sensors. The Lithuanian Ministry of Defence emphasised that Ukraine's experience in detecting and intercepting Russian drones should be used in building its own defence.
As Kurs Ukrainy previously wrote, Lithuania is also studying Ukrainian experience in protecting critical and energy infrastructure from Russian attacks. At that time, Vilnius noted that Ukrainian specialists have unique practical experience of operating the energy system under constant strikes.
Based on materials from: Ministry of National Defence of Lithuania, LRT, Kurs Ukrainy
