Spain has deployed its advanced Crow counter-unmanned aerial system (UAS) in Lithuania to enhance air defense capabilities and safeguard NATO’s eastern flank.
The system is designed to detect, monitor, and neutralize drones that pose potential threats to military units and critical infrastructure.
The Lithuanian government requested NATO’s assistance to bolster its air defenses after a drone carrying two kilograms of explosives entered the country’s airspace from Belarus and crashed in a military training area in July 2025.
“The consistent decisions Spain makes to advance air defence in the Baltic region is a clear demonstration of political will and NATO’s collective defence commitment. Such steps taken by the Allies strengthen deterrence, send an unmistakable signal of Alliance unity, and are crucial for the security of Lithuania and the entire eastern flank,” said Minister of National Defence Robertas Kaunas.
The Crow systems are stationed at the Lithuanian Air Force Base in Šiauliai and operated by the “Lobo” Tactical Unit of Spain’s Air and Space Force. A nine-member team conducts continuous monitoring of designated airspace to protect NATO’s eastern border from unidentified drones and balloons.
Equipped with cutting-edge radars, surveillance cameras, sensors, and electronic warfare technology, the Crow system acts as a smart shield over airports, military installations, and other critical infrastructure.
Indra describes Crow as a versatile and scalable counter-unmanned aerial system (C-UAS) engineered to detect, track, identify, and neutralize a broad spectrum of drone threats. According to the company, the system is fully interoperable with NATO standards and can be deployed in fixed, mobile, or portable configurations to safeguard military installations and other critical infrastructure.
Spain is also leading the 70th NATO Air Policing Mission in Lithuania under the Rotational NATO Air Defence Model. This mission is supported by a Spanish Air Force detachment flying F-18 fighter jets from the Šiauliai Airbase.
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Post Image Credit: Lithuanian MOD.
