EIMIN selects three most advanced solutions to ensure Lithuanian airspace security

The Ministry of the Economy and Innovation (EIMIN) has selected the three best technological solutions to combat hybrid threats. These solutions were presented by IT Logika, Teltonika EMS and Dangaus Šviesa. In the first stage, each company will receive a prize of €100,000, after which a call for the further development of ideas will be announced.

'First of all, I would like to thank all 35 companies that submitted their applications in just two weeks. This clearly shows that the Lithuanian technology sector can respond quickly to emerging challenges and offer solutions that are important for the security of our country. Today, we have awarded three companies whose solutions are currently the closest to being implemented, but this is only the first step. We are now starting to work with the winners and other teams that have submitted strong ideas, with the aim of developing rapid prototypes that will grow into a long-term Lithuanian airspace security system,' said Edvinas Grikšas, Minister of the Economy and Innovation.

According to the minister, further consultations will be held with companies to determine what measures are needed to enable them to continue developing the proposed solutions rapidly. A second call for proposals will be announced based on the companies' expressed needs.

One of the winners was IT Logika, who, in collaboration with Vilnius University, Integrated Optics and Arx Polaris, will develop a Smart Airspace Protection System (IOEAS). This system will be based on fixed-wing aircraft that can operate at high altitudes, as well as fast low-altitude aircraft. An integrated laser-optical sensor would enable targets to be located and identified at any time of day, and a high-power laser would allow most balloons to be safely shot down during the same flight. Object trajectory prediction and identification would be performed using artificial intelligence algorithms. Real-time information would be provided by DBOX drone base stations, radars and other geographically distributed sensors.

Another of the best solutions proposed was the Teltonika EMS consortium, consisting of ADV Defence, Quantum Systems and Defsecintel. This consortium would develop an autonomous airspace and border surveillance and protection system for Lithuania. The system would detect and identify air threats, such as balloons and drones, 24/7. If necessary, it would also destroy the target. This system would use Lithuanian-made drones to combine sensors, unmanned aerial vehicles, and control centres into a single operational image, gradually transferring it to Lithuanian institutions.

The consortium represented by the company Dangaus Šviesa would develop the DOBIS air balloon interception system. This system integrates various technologies to ensure the safe descent of illegal balloons.

In response to the challenges facing Lithuanian airspace, EIMIN has announced a €1 million programme to develop and implement technological solutions that can strengthen national security and airspace protection.