According to the President, the exercise, which includes the Netherlands’ Patriot long-range air defense system, the Lithuanian Air Defense Forces and NATO Baltic Air Policing contingents, once again demonstrates the importance of cooperation with NATO allies.
“Today, Lithuania can rely on Patriot protection. Equally important is the opportunity to test and improve interoperability with our air defense systems NASAMS and air operations control centers. This will positively impact the security of Lithuanian airspace,” the President said.
Gitanas Nausėda highlighted that the deployment of the Patriot system in Šiauliai follows years of discussions and negotiations. The 2022 NATO Summit in Madrid agreed to strengthen allied defense and deterrence. At the 2023 NATO Summit in Vilnius, it was decided to establish a rotational air defense model, starting with the eastern flank of the Alliance. The recent NATO Summit in Washington reaffirmed allied commitment to enhancing NATO’s integrated air and missile defense readiness.
“I sincerely thank the Netherlands for enabling us to test the new rotational air defense model in Lithuania. In April this year, then Prime Minister Mark Rutte not only pledged the Patriot system but also delivered on that promise. Such smooth cooperation inspires us for the future!” the President said.
Gitanas Nausėda noted the significance of Mark Rutte’s recent appointment as NATO Secretary General, emphasizing his commitment to strengthening the Alliance comprehensively.
“We have seen the critical role of air defenses in Ukraine, essential not only for protecting military capabilities but also strategic assets and civilian infrastructure. We are contributing to secure Ukrainian skies to the best of our ability,” the President stressed.
This marks the first time that the Baltic Connection 24 (BALTCON24) exercise is hosted in Lithuania. The exercise includes the Netherlands’ Patriot long-range air defense system, the Lithuanian Armed Forces’ NASAMS medium-range air defense systems, Spanish and Portuguese fighter aircraft conducting NATO’s Baltic Air Policing mission, the Lithuanian Armed Forces' air operations center, and the Lithuanian air defense aircraft.
