Lithuanian military gets legal powers to shoot down drones in peacetime

cross-posted from: https://lemmy.sdf.org/post/42861700

Under the amendments, the defence minister may decide to use military force against drones in a prohibited or restricted zone. Previously, soldiers could only use force against aircraft that were being used as weapons in prohibited zones.

"With these changes to the Statute on the Use of Military Force, we are creating a new basis for the use of military force so that it can be used quickly against unmanned aircraft in a restricted area if their flights are carried out in violation of the procedures established by the chief of defense," said Defence Minister Dovilė Šakalienė. ​ The amendments were drafted in response to events over the summer when two Russian Gerbera drones flew into Lithuania, one of which was carrying explosives. ​ According to the Defence Ministry, the military will be able to respond more flexibly and effectively to airspace violations by drones.

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