The Lithuanian Armed Forces have established the Autonomous Remote Drone Operations (ANBO) unit to develop long-range drone strike capabilities. The unit currently comprises over 100 personnel and is expected to grow significantly in the next year. It centralizes drone capabilities developed since 2024 and aims to reach full operational capability by 2027. The unit will work alongside air defense and maritime platforms and has obtained licenses for Ukrainian-made 'Magura' marine drones, enhancing deterrence in the Baltic Sea. The ANBO unit's tasks include drone testing, expertise accumulation, and conducting operations while maintaining operational security to protect personnel identities due to high risk from adversaries. It incorporates top experts from drone training centers, the Lithuanian War School, other military units, and the Lithuanian Riflemen's Union, with training support from Ukrainian instructors. The Ministry of Defense is simultaneously setting up the Strategic Technologies and Advantage Department to collaborate with ANBO, emphasizing increased funding for testing and innovation. The unit serves as a critical interface between the military and defense industry, including partnerships with Sweden and Finland, focusing on anti-drone and drone-related solutions. The establishment occurred shortly after suspected drone incursions twice breached Lithuanian airspace, prompting heightened NATO eastern flank security discussions. ANBO is named after Antanas Gustaitis, a pioneer of Lithuanian aviation.

The Lithuanian Armed Forces have established the Autonomous Remote Drone Operations (ANBO) unit to develop long-range drone strike capabilities. The unit currently comprises over 100 personnel and is expected to grow significantly in the next year. It centralizes drone capabilities developed since 2024 and aims to reach full operational capability by 2027. The unit will work alongside air defense and maritime platforms and has obtained licenses for Ukrainian-made 'Magura' marine drones, enhancing deterrence in the Baltic Sea. The ANBO unit's tasks include drone testing, expertise accumulation, and conducting operations while maintaining operational security to protect personnel identities due to high risk from adversaries. It incorporates top experts from drone training centers, the Lithuanian War School, other military units, and the Lithuanian Riflemen's Union, with training support from Ukrainian instructors. The Ministry of Defense is simultaneously setting up the Strategic Technologies and Advantage Department to collaborate with ANBO, emphasizing increased funding for testing and innovation. The unit serves as a critical interface between the military and defense industry, including partnerships with Sweden and Finland, focusing on anti-drone and drone-related solutions. The establishment occurred shortly after suspected drone incursions twice breached Lithuanian airspace, prompting heightened NATO eastern flank security discussions. ANBO is named after Antanas Gustaitis, a pioneer of Lithuanian aviation.