In some European countries, flying a drone is no longer just a hobby, but a defense skill. It is for this reason that Estonia and Lithuania are training their citizens in the use of unmanned aerial vehicles as part of a strategy to strengthen their security in the face of growing tensions with Russia.
The objective is not to militarize the population, but to create a civil defense based on technology. In Estonia, the Ministry of Defense has launched free courses so that any citizen, even without prior experience, can learn to control drones.
Lithuania, for its part, has inaugurated national drone schools in which people from the age of 10 are taught to fly, assemble and program these devices. This commitment reflects a growing trend in Europe, which is to use technological education as a security tool.
In a context marked by the so-called Russian «hybrid war», the president of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, has even called for building a drone wall to protect European airspace and improve incident response capacity.
Estonia and Lithuania train citizens to use drones
In Estonia, a public program has been launched to train anyone interested in learning how to use drones, regardless of their level of experience. Classes are taught by the Estonian Defense League in collaboration with the police and other state agencies.
The purpose is to involve the population in national defense, teaching how to use drones in surveillance, logistics or rescue tasks in the event of possible emergencies. In addition, since September, the country has incorporated an elective subject on UAV technology in schools so that young people become familiar with these tools from an early age.
Meanwhile, Lithuania has gone a step further by creating nine drone schools spread across the country. In these centers, both children and adults learn to build, program and fly drones.
According to the Deputy Minister of Defense, Tomás Godliauskas, the objective is to develop real defensive capabilities in a country that lives with constant pressure from Russia and Belarus. These classes combine theory, simulation and practice.
Students not only learn to fly, but also understand the logic behind the software and flight mechanics, making training a long-term technological investment. For the Lithuanian Government, mastering this technology is a matter of sovereignty.
Drones, the new defense of the European Union
Drones have become an essential part of modern warfare, something that was demonstrated during the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Their function is no longer limited to combat, they also serve reconnaissance, transportation, communications or humanitarian aid tasks.
For this reason, the countries most exposed to geopolitical risk are integrating technological education as part of their strategic defense. The European Commission sees in this model an opportunity to strengthen the security of all.
The anti-drone wall proposal seeks to create a rapid detection and neutralization network against aerial threats. With this measure, Europe aims to reduce its military dependence on the United States and build its own technological structure.
But these programs do not only respond to a military logic, and Estonia and Lithuania are creating a civic technological culture that goes beyond defense. Learning to use drones is perceived as a useful skill in the educational, scientific and social field, comparable to learning computer science or first aid..
In both countries, interest in engineering, programming, as well as innovation is awakening. Young people learn to solve technical problems, work as a team and understand how technology can be applied to security, agriculture or emergency management.
Several European governments are closely watching the Baltic model, considering it an example of national resilience adapted to the 21st century. A defense plan against the Russian threat that is consolidating a new generation of technologically prepared citizens.
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Tags: europa, drones