Vilnius Gediminas Technical University (VILNIUS TECH) is a member of the National Defense Industry Association (NGPA) and actively contributes to creating a safer cyberspace by educating young creators. Together with the General Jonas Žemaitis Lithuanian Military Academy (LKA), VILNIUS TECH is involved in training specialists for the Lithuanian Armed Forces (KOP).

Innovation in the use of unmanned aerial vehicles for military purposes

With the onset of the war in Ukraine, Lithuania began to actively look for how science and business could collaborate to create products for the military industry or dual-purpose products. One such alternative is unmanned aerial vehicles, also known as drones. The Aeronautics Laboratory of the Antanas Gustaitis Aviation Institute (AGAI) at VILNIUS TECH has the necessary technical infrastructure to develop drones used in the war in Ukraine.

According to Assoc. Prof. Dr. Linas Juknevičius, Dean of VILNIUS TECH AGAI, some technologies used for civilian purposes, such as remote aerial surveillance, were immediately adapted for military purposes during peacetime. However, other technologies had to be improved or, in some cases, fundamentally changed.

"Drones used in wartime must be able to fly in the presence of jammed GPS signals, transmit surveillance information through encrypted communication, carry specialized equipment or even explosives, automatically identify targets, and more. Innovative technologies are necessary for this, and Lithuanian scientists, including researchers from the Antanas Gustaitis Aviation Institute and other faculties of our university, actively implement them," says Assoc. Prof. Dr. L. Juknevičius.

Cybersecurity - one of the main priorities

VILNIUS TECH strongly contributes to Lithuania's cybersecurity by preparing a new generation of cybersecurity specialists. The university's Master's program in Information and Information Technology Security is one of the most popular choices for young professionals that aspire to work in the field of information technology security. Each year, about 30 students graduate from these studies, with their career paths directed at security departments of both private and public sector institutions or companies.

This year, a team of representatives from VILNIUS TECH participated in the international cybersecurity training "Amber Mist 2023," organized by the Defense Staff of the Lithuanian Armed Forces. The team consisted of employees from the Information Technology and Systems Center, lecturers, and students from the Faculty of Fundamental Sciences.

According to Dr. Justinas Rastenis, Deputy Head of the Information Technology and Systems Center at VILNIUS TECH, the university and science can provide a wealth of practically applicable theoretical knowledge.
 

"Not long ago, employees of the university's Information Technology and Systems Center conducted training for all Lithuanian schools, simulating attacks to check and demonstrate how institutions' employees can sometimes be easily deceived to disclose necessary data. Later, there was a seminar where we shared tips on how to act against such attacks," says Dr. J. Rastenis.

According to the expert, the diverse and extensive practical knowledge tested during the study years is very useful, but there is not much cybersecurity training provided in Lithuania that would be accessible to everyone.

Interviewed by Simona Uksaitė, External Communication Project Manager.

Photos by Aleksas Jaunius.