“We very much welcome the decision of the NATO Summit in Warsaw to deploy multinational battalions in the Baltic states and Poland. However, it is just as important to step up air defence capabilities, both at national level and Alliance format. Therefore we plead a strong U.S. leadership and support in building up this capability, primarily in our region,” Minister J.Olekas said at the meeting.
According to Minister of National Defence, had the U.S. deployed air defence elements, it would supplement and significantly contribute to Lithuania’s national efforts to reach full operational capability.
Minister of National Defence J.Olekas also presented national and regional decisions regarding the development of mid-range air defence system to Air Force Secretary Deborah Lee James. Lithuania has taken a decision to open negotiations with the Government of Norway on the possibility to purchase the NASAMS mid-range air defence systems. The Baltic states have agreed to cooperate closely in the development of a combined Baltic mid-range air defence system which will also involve Poland.
The U.S. Air Force Secretary stated that the United States stand ready to provide the expertise required for both, formation of air defence architecture in the region, and development of mid-range air defence system in Lithuania. The guest from the U.S. assured that the U.S. Air Force will continue taking part in joint exercises and providing assistance to the development of infrastructure at Šiauliai Air Base of the Lithuanian Air Force via European Reassurance Initiative. Air Force Secretary Deborah Lee James also extended gratitude for Lithuania’s solidarity in Afghanistan and Iraq.
