Spain has deployed its Crow counter-unmanned aerial system (C-UAS) to Lithuania as part of efforts to strengthen airspace security along NATO’s eastern flank. The system is tasked with detecting, monitoring, and neutralizing hostile or unauthorized drones that could pose a threat to military personnel or critical infrastructure in the region.
The Crow systems are operating from Šiauliai Air Base in northern Lithuania, where they are manned by the Spanish Air and Space Force’s “Lobo” Tactical Unit. A dedicated nine-person team maintains round-the-clock airspace surveillance, focusing on the early detection of drones and balloons entering restricted areas near NATO facilities.
Designed as an integrated, multi-layered defense solution, the Crow C-UAS system combines radar, electro-optical sensors, surveillance cameras, and electronic warfare tools to create a protective shield over sensitive sites. Its modular architecture allows the system to be adapted for fixed installations, semi-permanent positions, or mobile deployments, including land vehicles and naval platforms.
At the heart of the system is a command-and-control module that fuses data from multiple sensors into a single, real-time operational picture. Advanced algorithms and AI-enabled classification tools help reduce false alarms and improve threat identification. Once a target is confirmed, Crow can deploy electronic jamming against radio and satellite navigation links, or integrate kinetic effectors such as remote weapons stations, with options to add laser or electromagnetic countermeasures based on mission requirements.
