Lithuania teaches children drone skills on 'Eastern flank' border with Russia

A student flies a drone during Air Tech, Lithuania, September 16, 2025
Reuters

Lithuania is teaching children how to operate drones along its border with Russia, part of efforts to bolster awareness and skills on the NATO 'Eastern flank'.

Lithuania's Defence Ministry has launched the first of what will be nine schools around the country teaching children as young as 10 and adults how to fly, assemble, and program drones. Children and others will be taught to operate First Person View (FPV), quadcopter and single-wing drones, said teacher Mindaugas Tamosaitis.

The initiative aims to familiarize the younger generation with modern technology and surveillance skills, reflecting heightened security concerns in the region.

The program is part of broader efforts to strengthen Lithuania’s preparedness and public engagement along NATO’s eastern frontier, where tensions with Russia remain elevated.

Officials emphasized that the lessons are educational, focusing on technology skills and situational awareness, rather than combat training.

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