Lithuanian children learn how to build, programme and fly drones in after-school course

Lithuanian children are learning how to build, programme and fly drones in a course offered in several schools across Lithuania. The initiative comes in an effort by the country to prepare society to counter future threats from Russia.

Airtech, an initiative launched by the country's defence ministry, is a programme that offers young students training in aircraft and drone design.

In the course, small groups of children are taught how to use a drone simulator using a joystick, as well as how to assemble and operate a physical drone by flying a small, educational version through the classroom.

"I'm teaching how to fly drones, how to lift them, how to use them, [...] how to construct drones, how to program drones," said Eimantas Laurinavičius, a teacher at Airtech.

Further on in the course, students will be taught how to fly the drones through hoops suspended from the ceiling and positioned on the floor and will have the opportunity to take part in drone races.

The programme is designed to teach children skills that may be useful in their future careers and to interest them in technology.

"The skills acquired by students here can help them in the future, for example, when choosing professions," Kristina Virgayle, who leads the programme, said.

"Could one of those professions be in the defence sphere? And I think that this gives children skills that can be used in defence as well," Virgayle added.

Airtech is part of the government's drive to boost "societal and civil preparedness," in response to future Russian threats, Lithuanian vice-minister of national defence, Tomas Godliauskas, said, adding that it gives Lithuanian children a "technological edge".

Other Baltic nations, such as Estonia, have introduced similar programmes.

The launch of the programme comes following a recent surge in drone incursions into European and NATO airspace. While Moscow denies involvement, the drones are allegedly Russian.

Over the past three months, Lithuania, Latvia, Denmark, Norway, Romania, Poland, Estonia, Germany and France have seen drones or disruptions over their territory.