"Lithuania's commitment to increase defense spending is turning into real action. New challenges and threats to the state are obvious. We must therefore strengthen national defense capabilities without any delay. We must ensure Lithuania's maximum security and stand fully prepared to defend our state," the President said.
This year political parties signed a national agreement, initiated by the President, pledging to increase defense spending every year to 2 percent of GDP by 2020.
According to the President, additional allocations are needed to provide proper hosting for allied forces and to purchase new armaments. The state must ensure adequate military training and exercise conditions for NATO forces in Lithuania, develop the required infrastructure for testing grounds and fully adapt the Zokniai aviation base to the needs of NATO's expanded Baltic Air Policing mission.
The President has underlined that the acquisition of new armaments as well as the renewal of existing armaments and munitions are necessary for the reinforcement of Lithuania's defense capabilities.
Ensuring military security is a top priority for the President.
