In Lithuania, the rotational mission of the air defense alliance will become operational in Lithuania in 2024; Patriot anti-aircraft missile systems (SAM) will be deployed in the republic. This was announced by the head of the Lithuanian Ministry of Defense, Arvydas Anusauskas, the portal reported. LRT.
“The rotational air defense system agreed upon in Vilnius this year will be at least partially operational,” he said.
According to the minister, Lithuania’s allies have already discussed the deployment of air defense systems in Lithuania, including Patriot. He did not give a specific date but noted that “it will happen this year.”
In June 2023, responding to the calls of the Baltic states to strengthen the air policing mission, NATO countries agreed on a rotational air defense model.
Before that, Latvian President Egils Levits statedHe said NATO would deploy more troops not only to the Baltic region but also to its entire eastern flank, from Finland to Bulgaria. According to the President of Latvia, “investments in military potential today are also investments in preserving peace in Europe.”
Previously, German Skynex air defense systems were delivered to Ukraine.