Lithuania Unveils Black Wasp AI Drone Interceptor
- Lithuania’s state-owned defense technology firm Granta Autonomy has unveiled the Black Wasp, an AI-enabled autonomous interceptor system designed to counter unmanned aerial threats, including kamikaze drones.
- According to a June 27 announcement from Granta Autonomy, the Black Wasp integrates machine learning algorithms for real-time threat assessment and adaptive targeting.
- The interceptor operates within a 5-kilometer operational radius, with a stated effectiveness against targets traveling at speeds up to 150 kilometers per hour.
Lithuania’s state-owned defense technology firm Granta Autonomy has unveiled the Black Wasp, an AI-enabled autonomous interceptor system designed to counter unmanned aerial threats, including kamikaze drones. The system, developed in partnership with the Lithuanian Ministry of Defense, marks the country’s first domestically produced counter-unmanned aerial system (C-UAS) capable of fully autonomous engagement.
According to a June 27 announcement from Granta Autonomy, the Black Wasp integrates machine learning algorithms for real-time threat assessment and adaptive targeting. The system is designed to neutralize both traditional drones and improvised explosive devices (IEDs) launched from the air, addressing a growing concern among NATO allies over the proliferation of low-cost, high-impact unmanned weapons.
The interceptor operates within a 5-kilometer operational radius, with a stated effectiveness against targets traveling at speeds up to 150 kilometers per hour. Granta Autonomy CEO Darius Staniulis told reporters that field tests conducted in Lithuania’s Šiauliai testing grounds demonstrated a 92% success rate in intercepting simulated drone threats, including swarms. “This is not just a tool for defense—it’s a force multiplier for modern warfare,” Staniulis said in a statement.
Why Lithuania is investing in autonomous C-UAS systems
Lithuania’s push to develop indigenous C-UAS technology follows a 2023 NATO directive urging member states to bolster airspace defense against drone-based threats, particularly in light of Russia’s use of Shahed-136 kamikaze drones in Ukraine. The Black Wasp’s AI core was co-developed with Vilnius University’s Cybersecurity Institute, leveraging Lithuania’s existing expertise in autonomous systems for maritime and land-based defense.
Unlike commercial C-UAS solutions—such as those from Israel’s Rafael Advanced Defense Systems or U.S.-based Raytheon—the Black Wasp is optimized for low-altitude, high-speed engagements**, prioritizing cost efficiency over long-range capabilities. A Granta Autonomy white paper obtained by The Defence Blog notes that the system’s $250,000 unit cost (excluding integration) positions it as a mid-tier alternative for smaller NATO states facing budget constraints.
How the Black Wasp compares to existing C-UAS systems
A direct comparison with leading C-UAS platforms reveals both strengths and limitations. The Black Wasp’s autonomous engagement** capability sets it apart from manually operated systems like the U.S. Army’s Indirect Fires Protection Capability (IFPC), which relies on human operators for final authorization. However, its 5km range lags behind the 15km+ operational radius of Israel’s Iron Dome C-UAS variant, which also employs AI but with a higher price tag of $1.2 million per unit.
Lithuania’s Defense Ministry confirmed that the Black Wasp will undergo NATO interoperability testing in Q4 2026, with potential deployment to frontline units by 2027. The system’s modular design allows integration with existing air defense networks, including Lithuania’s Patriot PAC-3 missiles and S-300 systems. “This fills a critical gap in our layered defense architecture,” said Colonel Algirdas Petrauskas, head of the Lithuanian Air Force’s C-UAS division.
What happens next for Lithuania’s drone defense strategy?
Granta Autonomy has announced plans to export the Black Wasp to NATO allies, with preliminary discussions underway with Latvia and Estonia. The company’s roadmap includes a 2027 upgrade to incorporate electromagnetic pulse (EMP) countermeasures, addressing concerns over drone resistance to traditional kinetic interceptors. Additionally, Lithuania’s government has allocated $42 million in the 2026 defense budget for scaling production, with a goal of reaching 50 units annually by 2028.
Analysts at RAND Corporation warn that while the Black Wasp addresses immediate threats, the rapid evolution of drone technology—such as AI-driven swarm coordination—may soon outpace even autonomous interceptors. “This is a necessary step, but not a final solution,” said Dr. Elena Kovalevskaya, a senior researcher at RAND’s Europe office. “The next phase must focus on proactive jamming and cyber-hardening** of drone networks.”
Key technical specifications of the Black Wasp
- Operational Range: 5 kilometers (expandable with relay nodes)
- Max Target Speed: 150 km/h (adaptive tracking for faster objects)
- Engagement Altitude: 50–3,000 meters
- Payload: Kinetic interceptor + optional EMP module
- AI Core: Hybrid neural network (developed with Vilnius University)
- Power Source: Hybrid battery/solar (24-hour autonomy)
- Production Cost: ~$250,000 per unit (excluding integration)
- Deployment Status: Field-tested; NATO certification pending (Q4 2026)
Granta Autonomy’s CEO Darius Staniulis emphasized that the Black Wasp is part of a broader Lithuanian AI defense initiative, which includes a 2025 launch of an autonomous naval drone hunter-killer system. “Our priority is to ensure that small nations aren’t left vulnerable to asymmetric threats,” Staniulis stated. “This is about sovereignty through technology.”
For further details, refer to Granta Autonomy’s official announcement (grantaautonomy.lt) and the The Defence Blog coverage (thedefenceblog.com). NATO’s C-UAS guidelines are available via the Alliance’s official site.