Baltic states seek EU funds for anti-drone defences

Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania have asked the European Union for extra funding for anti-drone defences, Lithuanian Defence Minister Robertas Kaunas said Wednesday, citing fears of hybrid attacks from Moscow.

Kaunas said the three Baltic states had jointly approached the European Commission to request additional EU money for counter-drone capabilities.

“By protecting the borders of the Baltic states, we are also protecting the European Union’s eastern border,” he said.

Press reports said the three EU and NATO members had sent the commission a letter requesting half a billion euros, or about $560 million. Kaunas did not confirm the figure.