Lithuania's government on September 17, 2025, approved draft changes to aviation and military laws enabling the armed forces to swiftly neutralize drones breaching restricted airspace. The Ministry of Defence proposed amendments granting the defence minister or an authorised individual power to order military force against unmanned aircraft violating flight rules in designated restricted zones. This legal adjustment aims to reduce the time required to establish restricted zones from several days to minutes, increasing operational responsiveness. Deputy Defence Minister Karolis Aleksa confirmed that authorizations have already been signed for air force officers to make immediate decisions. Civil aircraft must vacate such restricted zones immediately unless granted permission, with air traffic services required to notify aircraft at least 10 minutes in advance. Transport Minister Eugenijus Sabutis emphasized the necessity of fast operational tools when unmanned drones with unclear intent are detected. The Defence Ministry stressed that military force against drones will be applied only under absolute necessity, with precautions to minimize harm to civilians and property.

Lithuania's government on September 17, 2025, approved draft changes to aviation and military laws enabling the armed forces to swiftly neutralize drones breaching restricted airspace. The Ministry of Defence proposed amendments granting the defence minister or an authorised individual power to order military force against unmanned aircraft violating flight rules in designated restricted zones. This legal adjustment aims to reduce the time required to establish restricted zones from several days to minutes, increasing operational responsiveness. Deputy Defence Minister Karolis Aleksa confirmed that authorizations have already been signed for air force officers to make immediate decisions. Civil aircraft must vacate such restricted zones immediately unless granted permission, with air traffic services required to notify aircraft at least 10 minutes in advance. Transport Minister Eugenijus Sabutis emphasized the necessity of fast operational tools when unmanned drones with unclear intent are detected. The Defence Ministry stressed that military force against drones will be applied only under absolute necessity, with precautions to minimize harm to civilians and property.