NSGK supports EK's drone combat plan, chairman calls balloon inclusion a diplomatic success
Lithuania's NSGK endorses the European Commission's plan to regulate drones, highlighting the inclusion of balloons as a diplomatic achievement.
The National Security and Defense Committee (NSGK) of Lithuania has expressed its support for the European Commission's (EK) newly proposed actions against drone threats. Notably, the inclusion of weather balloons in these regulations has been praised by NSGK chairman R. Sinkevičius, who attributes this development to the efforts of Lithuanian diplomats. The significance lies in the increasing recognition of Lithuania's security issues at the European level, as this is a topic that resonates less with other EU member states.
The proposed action plan includes stricter drone registration measures, the creation of no-fly zones, and enhanced detection capabilities at critical infrastructure sites. Furthermore, it suggests that the EU conduct annual anti-drone testing exercises to ensure preparedness in dealing with aerial threats. This initiative comes as the EU faces a rising tide of challenges linked to drones and meteorological balloons, with Lithuania particularly affected by contraband balloons originating from Belarus since the declaration of a state of emergency in December of last year.
Lithuanian politicians have characterized these incursions as a hybrid attack from Minsk, reflecting a broader security dilemma not just for Lithuania but for the entire EU. Following the plan's presentation, discussions regarding the proposed measures and priorities were initiated with the European Commission in February, which indicates a collaborative approach toward addressing aerial security threats across Europe and underscores the importance of collective EU action in tackling such contemporary security risks.