VILNIUS, June 10 (Xinhua) -- Lithuania's Defense Ministry is finalizing the procurement of stationary systems for detecting and neutralizing unmanned aerial vehicles, citing the present tense geopolitical environment, according to a press release issued on Tuesday.
The systems will provide continuous detection of drones and their operators, pinpoint their locations, and prevent them from entering protected areas around strategic energy infrastructure, the ministry said.
Once Lithuania faces any aggression, the Armed Forces will take over control of anti-drone systems at energy facilities, integrating them into the overall air defense system, Defense Minister Dovile Sakaliene was quoted as saying.
"This decision strengthens the country's overall defense capabilities, especially in light of the rapid development of drone technologies and the challenges they pose to the security of critical infrastructure," she added.
"We must be prepared for various scenarios, which is why the physical protection of infrastructure is very important," Energy Minister Zygimantas Vaiciunas said in the press release.
According to the defense ministry, the country has selected equipment from Poland's Advanced Protection Systems SA, out of three bidders. The contract is expected to be signed soon. ■
