Lithuania’s Public Security Service (VST) is strengthening the protection of the country’s strategic facilities, with particular attention to threats posed by drones. This was stated by Ingrida Stragienė, a representative of the service, LRT reported, citing ELTA.
“Strengthening security includes reviewing and improving both organisational and technical measures, as well as close cooperation with the Lithuanian military, managers of protected facilities and other responsible institutions. Considerable attention is also being paid to protection against threats posed by unmanned aerial vehicles, with measures for the detection, identification and neutralisation of drones being introduced and enhanced,” she said.
The service representative warned that some of the measures may be visible to the public, including increased patrols by VST officers near certain facilities and more frequent joint activities with the military.
“Therefore, residents should not be concerned if they notice an increased presence of VST officers or members of the Lithuanian Armed Forces, as this is part of planned and continuously implemented measures to protect facilities of importance to national security,” she added.
Earlier this week, Lithuania’s Ministry of Interior and Administration reported that Russia could be planning provocations against facilities in the Baltic states.
“It cannot be ruled out that, in order to increase tensions in the region, Russia may be planning malicious actions or provocations against facilities in the Baltic states. We are closely monitoring the situation and strengthening our preparedness and the protection of critical infrastructure facilities,” said Vladislav Kondratovič, Minister of Interior and Administration.
Defence Minister Robertas Kaunas specified that enhanced security measures would apply to bridges, electricity substations, gas supply systems and communications hubs. Physical protection of strategic facilities will be provided by the VST, with the Lithuanian Armed Forces assisting if necessary.
