The facility, located in the area of municipal transport firm Vilniaus viešasis transportas in the Antakalnis neighbourhood, allows year-round training regardless of weather conditions.
“Drone enthusiasts clearly expressed the need for an enclosed space,” Vilnius Mayor Valdas Benkunskas told reporters, noting that similar facilities in Latvia charge fees.
Benkunskas said drone technology was increasingly shaping civilian life and modern warfare, adding that early exposure could benefit city services and businesses in the future.
Chief of the Defence Staff Rear Admiral Giedrius Premeneckas said such non-commercial spaces were highly needed for developing practical skills.
“We are seeing a real drone revolution in defence,” he said, adding that familiarity with drone systems would strengthen Lithuania’s security.
He noted that trained operators would „always find their place“ in the Lithuanian Armed Forces.
Combat drones are banned at the centre and users must follow safety rules. Access requires online registration, with supervision provided on site.
Trainees may use their own drones or shared equipment, navigate obstacle courses and practise around a decommissioned trolleybus.
The project cost about EUR 70,000.
Since August 2024, an outdoor 0.90-hectacre drone training area has been operating in the Šeškinės hills.