Thousands of drones manufactured in Lithuania and intended for delivery to Ukraine remain in storage, with delays attributed to bureaucratic hurdles.
The drones, procured to support Ukraine’s military efforts, were initially expected to reach their destination by the end of 2024. Manufacturers warn that the delays are impacting Ukraine’s ability to defend itself effectively.
One such company, RSI Europe, which supplied the drones, expressed frustration over the situation. “We delivered part of the drones in October and the rest in November, but we have no confirmation that the drones have been transported to Ukraine,” said RSI Europe CEO Tomas Milašauskas.
The company has also not been invited to train Ukrainian personnel on the drones’ operation, further complicating the situation. Other Lithuanian manufacturers confirmed similar issues, stating they have no updates on whether the drones have left Lithuania.
Former Lithuanian Defense Minister Laurynas Kasčiūnas blamed bureaucratic inefficiencies for the delays. According to Kasčiūnas, there are six steps required for transferring military equipment to Ukraine, including formal approvals and logistical arrangements.
“The process involves warehouses, the Defense Resources Agency formally transferring the equipment to the military, a government decision to approve the transfer, and then physically transporting the items to Ukraine. Each step must be expedited,” Kasčiūnas explained.
Drone manufacturers emphasized the urgency of getting the equipment to Ukrainian forces. “If the drones are not in soldiers’ hands, Ukraine suffers greater losses than necessary,” Milašauskas warned.
The Chairman of Lithuania’s Parliamentary Committee on National Security and Defense, Gedrimas Eglinskas, highlighted the importance of delivering modern technology promptly. “Drones manufactured to the latest standards must reach Ukrainian soldiers as quickly as possible,” Eglinskas stated, urging for a systemic overhaul to prevent future delays.
Lithuania’s Ministry of Defense assured that the delivery process is being expedited. Recent government decisions have streamlined procedures, eliminating the need for additional approvals for state-purchased equipment meant for other countries.
“Going forward, we will begin transferring property to Ukraine under these revised procedures,” the ministry announced in a statement.
Earlier this year, five Lithuanian drone manufacturers successfully tested their products in Ukraine, and nearly 5,000 drones worth €5 million were purchased for Ukraine’s armed forces. Additionally, 2,300 combat drones valued at €3 million were procured for Lithuania’s own military.
While the Ministry of Defense originally promised all drones would be delivered by the end of 2024, the delays have raised questions about whether such timelines are achievable. Experts hope the streamlined procedures will prevent similar issues in the future.
As the drones remain in warehouses, both Ukrainian forces and Lithuanian manufacturers await concrete progress in their deployment.