“NATO has been ensuring Lithuania’s territorial security together with the Lithuanian Armed Forces for 17 years now. The long-time threats to the Alliance and our region have not gone away in the face of the challenges posed by the pandemic. On account of the present-day security situation and persistent military threats, we have to continue strengthening deterrence and defence together with NATO allies, to continue ensuring NATO presence on the ground in Lithuania and an effective NATO reinforcement and air defence,” Minister of National Defence Arvydas Anušauskas said.
Minister underscores that membership in the Alliance, however, is impossible without Allies’ own responsibility for their security. “That is why we have to keep taking care of our defence, not only by means of increasing military capabilities and defence budget but also by improving public resilience and fighting cyber and hybrid threats,” he said.
Lithuania is committed by the North Atlantic Treaty to consistently build national capabilities for countering a potential armed offensive. NATO allies are working together to prevent conflict and preserve peace, and if that fails, they are committed to take an attack on one of the Allies as an attack on all. But no alliance can effectively protect someone that does not take care of own protection.
Lithuania has been rapidly increasing defence spending in response to negative security trends. The defence spending rate reached 2% of GDP in 2018 for the first time and stayed at that level through 2020, while parliamentary parties of Lithuania are committed to increase the rate to 2.5 % of GDP until 2030.
“We have to develop the capabilities necessary for collective defence and implement the NATO Readiness Initiative so that we achieve a force capable of providing a short notice response to a collective defence or any other crisis, and contributing to the efforts to ensure international security. NATO’s ability to act swiftly to ensure a timely reinforcement and air defence in case collective defence is needed, remains a priority to Lithuania,” underscores Minister.
Lithuania aims for a contemporary and technologically advanced armed forces. Nearly 30% of defence budget is used to carry out modernisation and provision for military personnel. The major Lithuanian Armed Forces modernisation projects underway are provision of the Vilkas Infantry Fighting Vehicles for the Lithuanian Armed Forces, acquisition of the western platform, UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters, also, Joint Light Tactical Vehicles, introduction of modern artillery systems, extension of airspace surveillance and air defence capabilities, update of individual weaponry and gear.
Another focus area is upgrading and development of military infrastructure, for the benefit of not only our growing forces but allied troops deployed in Lithuania.
None of those positive changes would have taken place without the public support. At present, 87% of poll respondents in Lithuania support Lithuania’s NATO membership, 83% are in favour of NATO presence in the country. Lithuania is united in that regard – which is an important part in Lithuanian joint efforts to take a proper care of our security.
NATO solidarity is the fundamental value of the Alliance. The whole of Europe realised that military threats thought to be obsolete were right next to it when Russia annexed Crimea and started destabilizing East Ukraine by military actions in 2014. NATO was united in its condemnation of the Russian aggression in Ukraine and suspension of practical cooperation with Russia.
NATO Heads of State adopted crucial decisions for a stronger deterrence in the eastern part of the Alliance in 2014-2016. The Very High Readiness Joint Task Force (VJTF) was established, the NATO Air Policing Mission in the Baltic states was enhanced, NATO Force Integration Units (NFIU) were inaugurated, NATO enhanced Forward Presence Battalion Battle Groups were formed and rotations began in Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia and Poland that would be the first ones to respond to emerging threats together with national forces. Lithuania also hosts the NATO Energy Security Centre of Excellence. Those solutions are vital for Lithuania: the Alliance troop presence on the ground demonstrates its commitment to the defence of Lithuania.
Lithuania has been focussing on NATO deterrence and defence efforts recently – so that we can defend ourselves together with our allies in case of a crisis. A strong transatlantic bond is central for the security and stability in the Euro-Atlantic region. U.S. military presence in Europe and security assurance are key for the Alliance. We are and we will be seeking to have a persistent presence of the U.S. contingent in Lithuania.
NATO commitments are measured not only in financial expression but also in contribution to the common objectives of the Alliance. Lithuania takes part in international operations and missions in various locations worldwide and thus contributes to regional and international security, as well as demonstrates solidarity with other allies. Lithuanian troops joined the NATO ISAF operation in Afghanistan from 2004 and helped the country fight the threat of terrorism, led the Provincial Reconstruction Team in the province of Ghor. Currently Lithuanian forces are in the fight against terrorism in the international NATO mission in Afghanistan and the Alliance operation in Iraq. Lithuania will retain its contribution in Afghanistan and will only withdraw together with NATO allies.