German defense firm Circus has secured a contract to deploy an autonomous, AI-powered sustainment robot for the Lithuanian Armed Forces, marking a step toward automation in frontline military logistics.
Under the public procurement deal, Circus will deliver the system to Vilnius in 2026, where it will be integrated into existing barracks infrastructure and tested in both operational and training environments.
Military personnel will evaluate the platform in real-world scenarios, including multinational NATO exercises and sustained readiness missions.
Lithuania sits at a critical point on NATO’s eastern flank, bordering Belarus and located near Russia’s Kaliningrad exclave.
AI Defense Push on NATO’s Eastern Flank
NATO’s eastern members are accelerating defense modernization efforts that increasingly incorporate AI into surveillance, command systems, and autonomous operations amid heightened tensions with Russia.
In September 2025, NATO launched a multinational mission to strengthen air, sea, and ground defenses along the eastern flank following drone incursions into allied airspace, reflecting a broader shift toward integrated, tech-enabled deterrence.
The alliance is also exploring the creation of an AI-assisted “automated zone” designed to operate with reduced reliance on human ground forces while serving as a defensive buffer.
In parallel, Estonia, Lithuania, and Latvia have expanded investments in digital defense capabilities, including cyber defense and AI-enabled command-and-control systems.
Estonia in particular continues to build on its advanced digital infrastructure to enhance military responsiveness and resilience.
