The Dutch contingent in the NATO enhanced Forward Presence Battalion Battle Group in Rukla is one of the most voluminous contributions in terms of troop number and equipment, while air detachments of the Royal Netherlands Air Force is constantly manning the NATO Air Poling Mission in the Baltic states. Cooperation between the two countries is also expanding in the areas of cyber security and special operations forces.
This week Lithuania welcomed the Patriot air defence system from the Netherlands deployed for the Baltic Connection ’24 training cycle to practice air defence alongside the Lithuanian NASAMS units. “This serves as a strong basis for urgent implementation of the NATO Rotation Air Defence Model in Lithuania. The Patriot deployment sends a strong message to other Allies to join the NATO initiative,” said Minister L. Kasčiūnas inviting the Netherlands to deploy the Patriot system in Lithuania on a regular basis.
Ministers also discussed defence financing and plans of increasing defence capabilities. L. Kasčiūnas presented the commandant’s headquarters system introduced in Lithuania and solutions adopted to promote development of the national defence industry. Another topic of discussion was the NATO deterrence and defence. Minister underscored the importance of implementing the defence plans and underlined the necessity to increase Allies’ capabilities. In a discussion on assistance to Ukraine Minister L. Kasčiūnas invited the Netherlands to join the Demining Coalition led by Lithuania and Iceland, already joined by 23 partners. The Netherlands is rendering some of the most substantial assistance to Ukraine, therefore Minister noted Lithuania would highly appreciate its contribution to the Ukraine Demining Coalition.
