“The U.S. force presence “on the ground” is a critical component of deterrence,” said Minister L. Kasčiūnas. “Further uninterrupted presence of combat U.S. capabilities in Lithuania is the MoD priority, that is why our we put our best efforts in military infrastructure development and the best possible Host Nation Support for the U.S. military.” The Ministry of National Defence allocates approx. 10 percent of the defence budget to finance the aforesaid efforts.
“U.S. assistance in the Baltic capability development improves deterrence in the region and accelerates the process,” noted Minister thanking Ambassador K. McDonald for the financial assistance given to Lithuania under the Baltic Security Initiative which aims for a better deterrence in the region and accelerates development of the missing capabilities.
“We are not skipping the homework. Defence spending stands at 2.77 percent of GDP today and we are on track towards 3 percent, we are developing a national division and building capabilities in the Lithuanian Armed Forces. Procurements from the Unite States make up 20 percent of our overall procurement. We wish to collaborate with the U.S. defence industry. Attract investment to Lithuania and your support about it would be very helpful,” Minister said at the meeting. According to him, Lithuania places significant value on the U.S.-Lithuania cooperation in defence industry area and attraction of investment to Lithuania, which is all underpinned positively by the recently grown Lithuania’s acquisitions from the United States and the need to deliver the equipment quickly and safely, as well as to maintain it. “The average value of the defence acquisitions the Ministry of National Defence plans to conduct from the United States in the average period of time amounts to USD 1,3 million, 20% of our overall procurement,” said Minister L. Kasčiūnas.
Discussing assistance to Ukraine, L. Kasčiūnas emphasized the imperative to help Ukraine achieve the decisive success on the battlefield and without delay. “We will continue consistently supporting Ukraine. Since the start of the war, Lithuania has provided Ukraine the military assistance worth of approx. EUR 605 million. The assistance to Ukraine our state has rendered makes up 1.5% of GDP,” he said. Lithuania with Iceland co-leads the Ukraine Demining Coalition. “Mines and mined fields poses a serious problem to Ukraine which will outlive the war. Other countries would feel encouraged to follow suite and contribute to coalition success if the Unite States would adhere practically,” said Minister inviting the Unite States to join the initiative.
The United States is Lithuania’s strategic partner and one of the key Allies for Baltic security. It actively contributes military personnel, equipment ta and finance in support of our defence. The U.S. is also one of the main partners of Lithuania in defence equipment acquisition. Rotational U.S. battalions have been maintaining an uninterrupted presence in Lithuania since 2019. The current units serving in Pabradė are the Hounds Battalion (3rd Battalion, 67th Armor Regiment (3-67) and the Battle Kings Battalion (1st Battalion, 9th Field Artillery (1-9).
