Since China has been listed as a "untrustworthy" country, the use of Chinese-made technology in Lithuanian government institutions will be prohibited. This official ban will take effect starting in 2025.
According to LRT, Chinese surveillance cameras, phones, cameras, drones, computers, and other technology must be replaced in all Lithuanian government institutions. The ban will also extend to technology from other countries included in the list of untrustworthy nations.
The Ministry of Internal Affairs, police departments, and fire and border services have already begun replacing technical equipment. However, the higher cost of alternatives is slowing down the process.
"Perhaps two-thirds of the cameras have been replaced by the police, but old Chinese cameras are still used for protecting physical sites. However, the police department aims to replace them as quickly as possible," said Arnoldas Abramavičius, Deputy Minister of Internal Affairs of Lithuania.
The biggest challenge has been with drones. There are very few alternatives on the market at a relevant price, not only for combat drones but also for surveillance, video recording, and photography drones. The government is looking for replacements from domestic manufacturers.
Lithuanian-made drones from the company Unmanned Defense Systems are currently successfully operating in Ukraine. The Ministry of Defense of Lithuania will soon sign contracts for further procurement of these drones for both Ukraine and the Lithuanian Armed Forces.
Vitenis Buzas, CEO of the company, noted that drones must not only meet NATO standards but also the new rule coming into effect in 2025: no components should come from China.
Lithuanian drones are more expensive due to the complex process of replacing their structure from Chinese components. Buzas explained that the company took one and a half years to make the replacement, affecting everything from bolts to electronics.
"It was not easy, but it was possible. You must invest time and money, and the product inevitably becomes more expensive," he said.
