In a statement to Reuters on Wednesday in Vilnius, Lithuania’s defence minister Robertas Kaunas said the three Baltic states have formally approached the European Commission for extra financial support to acquire capabilities that can counter hostile drones.
The appeal comes as Ukraine has stepped up long‑range drone attacks against Russia, with some unmanned aircraft reportedly drifting into the Baltic airspace, heightening worries that the conflict could spill over NATO’s eastern flank.
Kaunas did not disclose the exact sum the countries are seeking, but Iltalehti reported that the joint request amounts to €500 million (about $569 million).
The ministers said the procurement would be carried out jointly, with a clear preference for suppliers from the European defence industry, a move they argue will reinforce both regional resilience and European industrial cooperation.
If approved, the funding would enable the Baltic states to field integrated drone‑defence systems, bolstering their air‑space security and signalling deeper EU involvement in NATO’s front‑line defence.