The Lithuanian military tested private-sector systems designed to detect and destroy drones and balloons during the international research exercise Vanguard 26 at the Rūdninkai training ground, held from June 1 to 5, 2026. The exercise aimed to evaluate counter-unmanned aerial systems, including kamikaze drones and balloons, for airspace defense and land operations. Fifteen companies from Lithuania, the United States, France, Britain, Ukraine, Poland, and Belgium participated by testing their detection and destruction systems against targets. The event was organized by the Lithuanian Armed Forces Training and Doctrine Command, responsible for innovation and collaboration with the national defense and security industry. The exercise allows military authorities to assess and select effective solutions for countering aerial threats. Recent increases in drone incidents in the Baltic states, mainly involving off-course Ukrainian drones or those aimed toward Russia, are attributed to Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine. In late May 2026, Lithuania declared air alerts twice due to airspace violations.

The Lithuanian military tested private-sector systems designed to detect and destroy drones and balloons during the international research exercise Vanguard 26 at the Rūdninkai training ground, held from June 1 to 5, 2026. The exercise aimed to evaluate counter-unmanned aerial systems, including kamikaze drones and balloons, for airspace defense and land operations. Fifteen companies from Lithuania, the United States, France, Britain, Ukraine, Poland, and Belgium participated by testing their detection and destruction systems against targets. The event was organized by the Lithuanian Armed Forces Training and Doctrine Command, responsible for innovation and collaboration with the national defense and security industry. The exercise allows military authorities to assess and select effective solutions for countering aerial threats. Recent increases in drone incidents in the Baltic states, mainly involving off-course Ukrainian drones or those aimed toward Russia, are attributed to Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine. In late May 2026, Lithuania declared air alerts twice due to airspace violations.