Military Academy Cadets Conduct Experiments at FTMC: Testing Drone Antennas

Representatives of the Drone Guild visited FTMC for the first time – cadets from the General Jonas Žemaitis Military Academy of Lithuania: Arijus Viršutis, Kasparas Biekša, and Natas Kemežys.

The Guild brings together 24 cadets who specialise in drone technologies. Having started its activities at the Military Academy a year and a half ago, it now actively collaborates with industry, the Lithuanian Unmanned Aircraft Users Association, participates in global drone exhibitions, and gains knowledge from partners, including Ukrainian soldiers.

In 2025, the Drone Guild became the winners of the first-ever First Person View (FPV) unmanned systems tactical competition organised in the history of the Lithuanian Armed Forces.

While improving unmanned aerial vehicles, Guild members strive for technical precision, and they came to FTMC for the first time to professionally test various antennas for drones and their control systems.

“We follow a simple principle – show me your antennas, and I will tell you whether your drone is any good. You may have very powerful software and hardware, but if you lack a high-quality antenna capable of transmitting and receiving signals, you are helpless – like being blind. FTMC provides excellent conditions for working with radio communication technologies,” says Drone Guild member Viršutis.

According to Dr Linas Minkevičius, Acting Head of the FTMC Department of Optoelectronics, the Center can offer high-quality scientific equipment for measuring various parameters, providing valuable insights into how effectively an antenna operates within the desired frequency range and where it could be improved.

“I believe we will develop sustainable and long-term cooperation. As an FTMC institution, we can contribute with scientific measurements, microwave-range equipment, thermal camera parameter testing, and other solutions. Defence-related research is one of FTMC’s priority areas, so we are particularly open to partnerships in this field,” says L. Minkevičius.

Source: FTMC