Minister of National Defence Robertas Kaunas met with Minister of Defence of Estonia Hanno Pevkur conducting a visit in Lithuania. Ministers discussed national plans for strengthening defence capability, air defence, fortification of the eastern NATO’s border, defence industry and assistance to Ukraine. They agreed it was vital to maintain tight coordination within NATO and the EU to ensure a united Baltic stance as the threats were increasing.
Lithuania and Estonia see eye to eye on the necessity of accelerating air defence and eastern EU border guard decisions, as well as maintaining a completely coordinated position in NATO and the EU, to strengthen the security of the Baltic states. Defence remains on top of our priorities: Lithuania plans to spend 5.38 % of GDP next year, mainly on air defence and host Nation Support infrastructure. The incidents involving drones and hot-air smuggling balloons are a clear indication we need to transition from air policing to real air defence and accelerate implementation of EU measures on the border with Russia and Belarus. NATO and ES partners have retain the enduring assistance to Ukraine. If we fail on that, it is Vladimir Putin who comes out the winner,” said Minister R. Kaunas.
Another theme addressed at the meeting was the recent hybrid incidents. R. Kaunas underscored that drone and smuggling balloon deployment over the border was a targeted operation to test national resilience, and it required to transition from peacetime air policing to effective air defence as soon as possible.
Minister R. Kaunas also re-assured of Lithuania’s lasting intention to consistently support Ukraine and live up to the commitment to dedicate 0.25% of annual GDP for strengthening the defensive capacity of the attacked country. Persistent NATO and EU assistance to Ukraine was noted as key in preventing Russia’s aggression from yielding victory and for ensuring a lasting security for Europe.
The Lithuanian and Estonians Defence Ministers also discussed cooperation on strengthening the defensive capacities. The two Baltic countries are jointly purchasing the CV90 Infantry Fighting Vehicles, HIMARS missile artillery systems, Piorun short-range air defence systems, naval mines, and other equipment. Also, the regional Baltic Defence Line initiative with incorporates countermobility fortifications. For the past 25 years Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia have been partners in developing and supporting the Baltic Defence College (BALTDEFCOL) established in Tartu, Estonia.
