DEFENDING BALTICS
War Lessons from Ukraine for the Baltic Region
A professional defence and security conference that turns Ukraine’s frontline experience into practical insight for the Baltic region and its allies.
About the conference
Ukraine’s battlefield lessons, applied to the defence of the Baltics
Defending Baltics is an annual defence and security conference in Vilnius. Since 2024 it has brought together military leaders, policymakers, analysts and industry from the Baltic states, NATO allies and Ukraine.
The aim is simple: to turn what the war in Ukraine has taught into practical insight for the security of the Baltic region and Europe’s eastern flank.
Lessons from the front
Ukrainian commanders, officials and experts share first-hand experience of modern warfare.
Policy meets industry
Armed forces, decision-makers and the defence industry in one room, with an industry expo alongside the programme.
A regional network
Chiefs of defence, ministers, researchers and journalists from the Baltic, Nordic, NATO and Ukrainian communities.
Editions
Explore the conferences
Programmes, speakers and photos from every Defending Baltics edition so far.
2026
The War Above Us
Ukraine’s Lessons for Air, Space, Strike and National Continuity
2025
War Lessons from Ukraine to the Baltic Region
Countering hybrid threats, strengthening NATO’s Eastern Flank and joint resilience.
2024
War Lessons from Ukraine
The role of NATO, Europe’s defence industry, hybrid threats and cybersecurity.
Organised by
Defending Baltics is organised by Locked N’ Loaded and the Civic Resilience Initiative
Locked N’ Loaded
A Lithuanian civic defence and security analysis centre, founded in 2018, working on projects, training and analysis that support Lithuania’s security and defence.
parakomanai.lt ↗
Civic Resilience Initiative
A Lithuanian non-profit, founded in 2018, that strengthens the resilience of societies in media literacy, cybersecurity and countering disinformation.
cri.lt ↗Moments from Defending Baltics
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Media about us
How Lithuanian and international media have covered Defending Baltics.
Local media
Global media
- maailm.postimees.ee
- eurointegration.com.ua
Get involved
We invite individuals and organizations to join us in making the next Defending Baltics an impactful event. We are on the lookout for sponsors, expert speakers, military and defense organizations, and volunteers that would help us deliver the highest-quality experience to attendees. Whether you are passionate about defense or looking to contribute, we would love to get in touch and discuss collaboration possibilities with you!
Contact us
For partnership, exhibition or general enquiries, send us a message.