Spain Sends Advanced Crow Counter-UAS System To Lithuania In Support Of NATO Collective Defence

Madrid / Vilnius: Spain has deployed its advanced Crow Counter-Unmanned Aerial System (C-UAS) to Lithuania to enhance the detection, surveillance and neutralisation of hostile drones and aerial objects threatening military units and critical infrastructure. The move significantly strengthens air defence and force protection measures along NATO’s Eastern Flank, amid rising concerns over the growing use of low-cost unmanned systems for reconnaissance and disruption.

The Crow systems are now operational at the Šiauliai Air Base, a key hub for Allied air operations in the Baltic region. They are operated by the “Lobo” Tactical Unit of the Spanish Air and Space Force, with a nine-person specialist team conducting 24/7 monitoring of designated airspace. The unit’s mission is to protect NATO’s eastern border from unidentified drones and balloons approaching sensitive military and civilian sites.

Lithuania has described the deployment as a strong signal of Allied unity. Lithuanian Minister of National Defence Robertas Kaunas said Spain’s continued air defence contributions clearly demonstrate political will and commitment to NATO’s collective defence. He emphasised that such steps strengthen deterrence, send an unmistakable message of Alliance cohesion, and are crucial for the security of Lithuania and the entire eastern flank.

Integrated Counter-Drone Protection Layer

Developed by Spanish defence technology company Indra, the Crow C-UAS is a modular and scalable system designed to counter a wide spectrum of unmanned aerial threats. It integrates radars, electro-optical and infrared surveillance cameras, RF and acoustic sensors, and electronic warfare devices into a unified command-and-control architecture.

This layered configuration enables operators to detect, track, identify and classify drones at long and short ranges, before applying graduated response options, including electronic neutralisation, in line with rules of engagement. According to Indra, the system is fully interoperable with NATO standards, allowing seamless integration with Allied air defence networks.

Crow can be deployed in fixed, mobile or portable configurations, making it suitable for protecting military bases, airports, ports, energy facilities and other critical infrastructure, as well as for temporary deployments during exercises or crisis response missions.

Complementing NATO Air Policing Operations

Spain’s counter-UAS deployment forms part of its broader role in Baltic air defence. Madrid is currently leading the 70th NATO Air Policing Mission in Lithuania, with Spanish Air Force F-18 fighter jets operating from Šiauliai Air Base under the Rotational NATO Air Defence Model. These aircraft maintain quick reaction alert duties to identify and intercept unidentified or non-compliant aircraft approaching Baltic airspace.

The combination of manned fighter aircraft and advanced counter-drone systems reflects NATO’s evolving approach to air defence, addressing both traditional aerial threats and the rapidly expanding challenge posed by small, low-flying unmanned platforms.

Strategic Significance For The Baltic Region

Since 2014, NATO has steadily reinforced its presence in the Baltic States to deter potential aggression and reassure frontline Allies. The increasing use of drones for intelligence, electronic warfare and potential strike roles has added urgency to the deployment of dedicated C-UAS capabilities. Systems like Crow help close critical gaps at low altitude and short range, where conventional air defence systems may be less effective.

For Lithuania, the arrival of Spain’s Crow Counter-UAS System adds an important protective layer over key military assets and infrastructure. For NATO, it highlights the Alliance’s focus on integrated, multi-layered air defence and the shared responsibility of member states in safeguarding the security of the Eastern Flank.