Lithuania to establish drone competence center in Varėna

The Lithuanian government has officially approved the transfer of a 51.9-hectare state-owned land plot in the Druckūnai village of the Varėna district to the Lithuanian Riflemen's Union. The land will be managed under trust for the development of a Drone Competence Center.

The center is intended to serve as a regional hub for developing drone and anti-drone system capabilities, supporting the Alytus, Marijampolė, Kaunas, and Vilnius regions. This initiative is part of a national strategy to strengthen security through technological innovation and defense preparedness.

According to the Ministry of National Defense, the drones will be used exclusively for training purposes. Consequently, noise levels are expected to be minimal and should not disturb the surrounding local communities.