Lithuania is supporting Ukraine’s military training and education reforms and adherence to Western standards in the military as an effort to increase interoperability with NATO militaries, independently and together with the allies. Lithuania is also inviting Ukrainian soldiers to study at the military education institutions of Lithuania, funds Ukrainian officers’ studies at the Baltic Defence College as part of the efforts to bring the Armed Forces of Ukraine closer to Western standards and give an opportunity to learn to work according to NATO procedures. Lithuania intensified its support to Ukraine by delegating more military instructors, more study opportunities, strategic advice and other military means in the wake of the Russian aggression against the country in 2014.
Lithuanian Armed Forces continue contributing to international operations
Lithuanian soldiers will continue deploying to international missions and operations in 2021. Lithuania will send roughly 170 troops to NATO, European Union, United Nations-led international missions and operations this year.
Lithuania’s contribution to the NATO Mission Iraq is expected to see the biggest increase this year. Currently, three Lithuanian soldiers are serving, while in the end of the year the Lithuanian contingent in the NATO Mission Iraq is expected to increase to roughly 40. Lithuania plans to take part actively in other NATO-led operations, Resolute Support in Afghanistan and Kosovo Force (KFOR), as well.
Lithuania’s contingents in European Union-led international maritime efforts will increase as soon as February. A Vessel Boarding Team deployed by the Lithuanian Armed Forces will be completing EUNAVFOR MED IRINI tasks and a Lithuanian Autonomous Vessel Protection Detachment will be serving in the EUNAVFOR Somalia - Operation ATALANTA. Lithuanians will also continue assisting the Central African Republic in implementing its defence reform and training national military capabilities as part of EUTM RCA, and Mali – in training its armed forces and rendering specialized training assistance to the Sahel Joint Force as part of EUTM Mali.
Lithuania will retain its participation in Mali in the United Nations-led Operation MINUSMA protecting civilian population and assisting in the restoration of the state authority in the northern part of Mali.
Lithuanian forces also continue the participation in the National Training Mission in Ukraine assisting to train the Ukrainian military.
In 2021 Lithuania is also planned to contribute staff officers to the Bahrein-based operational headquarters of the International Maritime Security Construct in the Strait of Hormuz.
