Lithuania prepares enhanced protection from drones for substation near Russia's Kaliningrad
Lithuania plans to strengthen the protection of the new Gizai power grid substation near Kaliningrad Oblast, a Russian exclave, in particular by equipping it with special structures designed to protect transformers from drone attacks.
As reported by Reuters, Litgrid CEO Andrius Šemeškevičius stated that the substation is planned to be protected by a fence capable of withstanding the impact of a lorry laden with explosives, systems to detect possible underground tunnels and special reinforced-concrete structures to protect transformers from drone strikes.
"Previously, when designing our grid, we planned for natural disasters. Now, we think about all possible hybrid and non-hybrid threats," he said.
According to Šemeškevičius, the substation will occupy a 35-hectare site, so even a single drone strike would only damage a limited amount of equipment. He noted that the distance of the buildings from the fence provides protection "in case someone throws a Molotov cocktail inside".
"We are designing Gizai for a new reality... we are protecting ourselves from multiple Shahed drones, which could crash-land with 100 kilograms of explosives," Šemeškevičius said.
According to informed officials, the Lithuanian armed forces are advising Litgrid on the physical protection of critical energy infrastructure and countering modern threats.
The Gizai substation is planned to be built approximately 30 km west of Kaliningrad Oblast. It will become the first new facility in the region since the start of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022.
Prime Minister of Lithuania Mindaugas Sinkevičius stated that his country has drawn up evacuation plans in the event of threats from Russia but added that they "will not surrender" if attacked.
Remigijus Motuzas, Chair of the Seimas Foreign Affairs Committee, believes that following the State Duma elections, the Kremlin is gathering strength, and Europe can expect new provocations.
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk stated that intelligence reports point to Russian "plans for hybrid attacks" against countries supporting Ukraine.