Estonia halts a half-billion euro armored vehicle purchase to prioritize drones and air defense.
The episode opens with hosts Madonna Lučkaitė and Vaidas Matulaitis, joined by military analyst Egidius Papečkis, discussing Estonia's defense policy shift. Estonia is stopping a half-billion euro combat vehicle procurement to redirect funds toward drones, air defense, and bi-piloted systems, influenced by the Ukraine war and technological advancements like Israel's laser weapons. The analyst notes this reflects a broader move from ground to aerial warfare, with Estonia adapting its budget to be more flexible. The discussion turns to whether Lithuania should follow suit, with Papečkis arguing Lithuania's situation differs as it needs armored vehicles for a new division, and cautioning against hasty decisions. The episode then shifts to a report by Domantas Butkus on a potential historic discovery: researcher Saulius Poderis claims Grand Duke Vytautas's remains, along with three other royal bodies, might be hidden in Vilnius Cathedral, based on archival documents and photos. Archaeologist Gintautas Ratskevičius and historian Alvydas Nikžentaitis discuss the need for DNA testing, possibly with Ukrainian assistance, and funding challenges. Next, reporter Vytautas Jokubauskas covers Hungary's elections, where Viktor Orbán's Fidesz party faces a tight race against the opposition, with issues like foreign interference, voter polarization, and campaign dynamics highlighted. The segment includes voter interviews and analysis from former foreign minister Péter Balázs. Finally, Dominikas Rimaitis reports on sexual violence in Lithuania, detailing legal gaps, low reporting rates, and systemic failures, with expert input from Rugilė Butkevičiūtė and psychologist Vaida Gabie. The episode concludes with brief sports and health updates.
