Minister underscored the longstanding close cooperation with the Pennsylvania National Guard: Lithuania and the United States share years of history of historical, cultural and economic bonds, while the role of the Lithuanian diaspora was decisive in restoring our independence. Minister praised the longstanding partnership and noted that new cooperation opportunities needed to be discovered, especially in defence industry by attracting U.S. investment in Lithuania.
Minister also addressed the German Brigade stationed in Lithuania as a significant precedent for Europe in strengthening contribution to the transatlantic security, and pointed out the necessity to build NATO’s containment of Russia policy on the foundation of peace through strength.
“Today we can see clearly that Russia is a lasting threat to the European countries, that is why a fast increase in Allies’ defence spending and sustained tailored assistance to Ukraine are a matter of national security to all of us. Lithuania understandings it. We are not just among top Ukraine’s donors based on GDP but also about to increase defence spending to 4% of GDP still this year,” said Minister D. Šakalienė.
Lithuania is the largest buyer of U.S. weaponry among the Baltic states. Our acquisitions from the U.S. in the mid-term stands at USD 1.3 billion and takes up approx. 20% of our acquisitions. The United States consistently supports Lithuania’s capability building efforts. USD 1 in U.S. assistance returns as three U.S. dollars in direct investment through U.S.-made arms acquisitions. Other systems Lithuania purchases are the Javelin antitank missiles, JLTV vehicles, Black Hawk helicopters, HINARS, AMRAAM for medium range NASAMS, Switchblade, etc.
