# Baltic drone operator integration initiatives

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/baltic-drone-operator-integration-initiatives
> Updated: 2026-10-14T15:12:16.000Z. Sources: 12. Developments: 2.

Regional efforts to integrate drone technology into defense and civil preparedness are expanding in Lithuania and Poland.

In Lithuania, the 317th Drone Systems Company of the Riflemen's Union in Klaipėda is increasing its technological capabilities by training volunteers. These activities include joint exercises with the military, search and rescue operations with police, and surveillance duties conducted alongside the State Border Guard Service.

In Poland, the Ministry of National Defense has announced the creation of the ‘Dron Legion’. This initiative seeks to integrate certified civilian operators, such as volunteer firefighters and civil defense personnel, into the national defense strategy. Inspired by combat experiences in Ukraine, the program aims to equip military squads with drone capabilities. The 25th Air Cavalry Brigade will act as a training hub, with plans for approximately 33,000 students to undergo training and certification. This development is supported by a 26 billion PLN investment program and the establishment of a new Unmanned Forces Inspectorate.

## Claims

- The Polish Ministry of National Defense is creating the Dron Legion. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- The Dron Legion will consist of certified civilian operators rather than professional soldiers. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- The 25th Air Cavalry Brigade in Nowy Glinnik will be a central center for drone training and certification. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- Approximately 33,000 students from 500 military schools will undergo drone training next year. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- There are currently over 560,000 certified drone operators in Poland. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- Drone training exams will be conducted by the Civil Aviation Authority (ULC). (corroborated by 2 sources)
- The Unmanned Forces Inspectorate has been established to manage the droneization process. (single source)
- Poland has allocated 26 billion PLN for an investment program through 2026. (single source)

## Timeline

### 2026-10-14: Poland to establish Dron Legion for civilian drone operators

Poland is launching the ‘Dron Legion’, a formation of certified civilian drone operators intended to support the military during conflicts, utilizing training hubs and military school programs.

7 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/poland-to-establish-dron-legion-for-civilian-drone-operators

### 2026-10-06: Lithuanian Riflemen's Union expands drone operator training

The 317th Drone Systems Company of the Lithuanian Riflemen's Union in Klaipėda is training volunteers in unmanned aerial systems for military, police, and border guard support.

5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/lithuanian-riflemen-develop-drone-operator-skills-in-klaipda

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Cite as: Baltic drone operator integration initiatives. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/baltic-drone-operator-integration-initiatives