Lithuanian Defence Modernisation: Lithuania’s State Defence Council has approved buying Patria 6×6 armoured vehicles to equip its 1st Division, targeting full operational capacity by 2030 and planning 935 vehicles (with some production in Lithuania), a major step for NATO interoperability. Drone & Counter-Drone Tech: Lithuania installed a new drone detection system at Palanga Airport, with similar upgrades planned for Kaunas and Vilnius, as unauthorised flights continue to rise. Baltic Security Planning: A report says a large wargame simulated a Russian offensive against Lithuania, with drone swarms playing a decisive role in blunting the first phase of an invasion. Digital Payments Policy: The Bank of Lithuania backed the digital euro as an offline-capable, privacy-focused way to make payments across the euro area when internet access is unavailable. EU Trade Pressure on China: The European Commission is preparing broader trade defence tools (tariffs, quotas, safeguards) across chemicals, metals and clean tech, with Lithuania among member states pushing for faster sector-wide action. Local Biotech Growth: A Q&A highlights Lithuania’s expanding biotech role, pointing to US–Lithuania partnerships and free economic zones as a manufacturing and investment magnet. Climate Resilience Ranking: Vilnius placed high in a new COOLCITY Index for climate-resilient capitals, driven by green infrastructure and land permeability.