# Baltic States Pursue Counter-Drone Systems

Estonia is assessing whether to acquire light jet aircraft to counter faster Russian attack drones, but has identified no platform, budget, or schedule and has made no commitment to buy. Across the region, Lithuania authorized trial purchases of interceptor drones and radars on September 2, 2026, while Latvia plans an eastern-border counter-drone network integrating radars, interceptors, and command equipment. Together, these actions point to potential Baltic demand for aircraft and integrated counter-UAS capabilities, though procurement maturity and timing differ by country.

- Lithuania’s authorization covers trial batches of interceptor drones and radars outside standard procurement rules; the signal does not specify funding or contract values.
- Latvia’s planned network could create demand for interoperable sensors, interceptors, and command equipment for eastern-border defense.
- Companies supplying light aircraft, interceptor drones, radars, or command systems can assess their offerings against these distinct national needs; Estonia’s aircraft concept remains exploratory, not a confirmed solicitation.

**Jurisdictions:** international
**Industries:** Defense & Military
**Topics:** Digital Infrastructure
**Published:** October 14, 2026

### Government Entities
- Estonian Ministry of Defence
- Lithuanian Ministry of Defence
- Estonian military

### Vendors
- Embraer (Prospective aircraft supplier)

### Sources
- [Estonia weighs buying light jet aircraft to shoot down Russian jet-powered drones](https://www.defensenews.com/global/europe/2026/10/14/estonia-weighs-buying-light-jet-aircraft-to-shoot-down-russian-jet-powered-drones) - Defense News