Lithuania is launching a comprehensive nationwide drone training program starting in September 2025, aiming to train 22,500 people—including children and adults—by 2028 to bolster national security and develop a skilled drone workforce.

The initiative involves nine training centers across Lithuania, with the first three opening in Jonava, Tauragė, and Kėdainiai, focusing on hands-on drone building and flying skills for students from age 9 to high school.

Led by Lithuania's defense and education ministries, the program includes training for teachers and instructors, supported by €2.5 million in funding, to ensure widespread dissemination of drone skills.

The government has allocated over €3.3 million for equipment such as FPV drones, control systems, and training apps, and plans to establish drone control centers in multiple regions including Jonava, Tauragė, and Kėdainiai.

This effort is part of Lithuania’s broader total defense strategy, emphasizing civic preparedness and individual crisis readiness, especially given its proximity to Russia and Belarus.

The €3.3 million investment underscores Lithuania’s commitment to strengthening national security through advanced drone technology and education.

The program is a collaborative effort involving the Ministry of Defense, Ministry of Education, Lithuanian Riflemen’s Union, and the Lithuanian Agency for Non-formal Education, blending military and civilian educational efforts.

The initiative aims to build Lithuania’s technical base, foster future drone professionals, and prepare the population for roles in education, defense, and security sectors.

Training will be tailored for different age groups, with younger students engaging in drone building and piloting, while secondary students will learn to design, program, and operate advanced UAVs, promoting aerospace careers and technical literacy.

Adults, including reservists and civic volunteers, will receive advanced drone operation training to support real-world defense and industrial applications.

This national effort is driven by security concerns, especially after Russian drones crossed into Lithuanian territory in July, and is part of a regional Baltic move, with neighboring Estonia and Latvia also enhancing drone capabilities.

Lithuania’s focus on drone education aligns with regional trends, as Russia and other actors view drone development as a strategic priority, with similar efforts seen in occupied Ukrainian territories.

The initiative highlights Lithuania’s strategic need to develop drone defenses, especially after a Russian drone carrying explosives crashed near a Lithuanian military base, emphasizing the importance of advanced drone technology for national security.