Baltic defense conference set for Vilnius in May, live demos at Pabrade training area

VILNIUS - The three Baltic states will hold a defense and aerospace industry meeting and exposition in Vilnius in May, with live demonstrations at the Pabrade military training area.

The DAIMEX Baltic 2026 event will focus on regional security priorities, strengthening defense capabilities, NATO planning and procurement, and the role of industry and long-term investment, the Lithuanian Defense and Security Industry Association said in a press release.

Speakers will include Defense Minister Robertas Kaunas, Latvian Defense Minister Andris Spruds and Estonian Defense Minister Hanno Pevkur.

NATO and European Union officials, senior military officers and defense and aerospace industry leaders are expected to attend the high-level defense conference.

The exhibition and live demonstrations of defense technologies and their practical application will take place in operationally realistic environments at the General Silvestras Zukauskas military training area in Pabrade.

The association said the exposition will focus on real capabilities, attracting manufacturing and advanced technologies to Lithuania, strengthening industrial cooperation and the Green Corridor initiative to speed up the establishment of manufacturing and research and experimental development capacities.

The demonstration area will host dynamic programs showcasing mobility, reconnaissance, UAS, C-UAS, force protection, C4ISR, counter-drone and drone-neutralization systems, sensors, communications, and other operational capabilities

The event is organized by the Lithuanian, Latvian and Estonian defense and security industry associations.