The Baltic Defence Ministers held a meeting in Tallinn, capital of Estonia, January 11: Minister of National Defence of Lithuania A. Anušauskas, Minister of Defence of Latvia Inara Mūrniece and Minister of Defence of Estonia Hanno Pevkuru discussed assistance to Ukraine and other topical aspects of regional security and cooperation.
A. Anušauskas underscored the importance of further capability development for the Baltic states. According to Minister, the contracts signed between the United States of America, Lithuania and Estonia on acquisitions of the HIMARS system enhanced combat capabilities of the Baltic states and opened new perspectives for cooperation.
Ministers also discussed preparations for the oncoming NATO Summit in Vilnius where the Baltic states will unite to aim for further decisions regarding strengthening the NATO Forward Defence in the eastern flank. The Baltic states expect progress on regional planning and pre-positioning of ammunition and stocks.
“Another critical priority is an enhanced air defence and model of rotation in the Baltic region. As Russia persists as the biggest and direct military threat to the Euro-Atlantic security, we aim to ensure the transition from NATO air policing to air defence. We also hope to be able to welcome Sweden and Finland as brand new NATO members in Vilnius as well, said A. Anušauskas.
