Lithuanian Army Chief General Raimondas Karoblis announced that in light of the escalating threat posed by Russia, the country is contemplating the acquisition of long-range drones and Ukrainian cruise missiles as a measure to strengthen its defense capabilities. He emphasized the importance of having independent capabilities that Lithuania can control, possibly in collaboration with Ukraine or by adopting its technology. The acquisition of these weapons aims to provide a more robust defense against potential aggressions, particularly given the restrictions of certain Western systems in targeting specific locations.

General Karoblis pointed to Ukraine's ingenuity in developing long-range systems, citing specific examples such as the 'Bayraktar' drones, 'Lyutik' UAVs, and the 'FB-5 Flamingo' cruise missiles. This underscores Lithuania's effort to leverage Ukrainian advancements to bolster its own military preparedness. The general expressed that considering such weapon systems is crucial for establishing a deterrent against Russian threats, reflecting Lithuania's proactive stance in enhancing national security.

Additionally, he highlighted plans for the Lithuanian Army to develop a new 'maneuver area' near the Suwalki Corridor, which is a critical NATO weak point and a possible target for Russian military actions. This development is part of a broader strategy to reinforce Lithuania's defense posture and readiness amid rising tensions in the region, showcasing the country's commitment to safeguarding its sovereignty and contributing to collective NATO security.