Minister of National Defence Robertas Kaunas is conducting a visit in Warsaw today where he has met with Vice Prime Minister and Minister of National Defence of Poland Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz.
The bilateral meeting mainly focused in the topic of Kapčiamiestis Training Area. Ministers agreed that establishment of the training area, yet to be approved at the Seimas, was important in terms of a stronger regional security.
“The training area foreseen in the Suwalki Gap will expand joint training opportunities to our military personnel and strengthen deterrence, it will benefit defence of both countries and the whole NATO Alliance. We are in the initial training area establishment phase, therefore I welcome the positive Polish Defence Minister’s view on potential future cooperation. We will consistently share all relevant data with the Polish Ministry of National Defence so that they are able to update their citizens accordingly,” said R. Kaunas.
Ministers also discussed regional security and national response to the evolving threats. R. Kaunas noted that both countries shared an interest in air defence and counter-drone warfare as they both faced hybrid attacks and regular airspace violations. Ministers addressed potential technological solutions and desired effective preventive results against the smuggling balloon incursions that both countries faced.
Lithuanian Minister pointed out that defence of the eastern flank was among top priorities not just for Poland and Lithuania but also Latvia, Estonia and Finland. Thus, the Baltic-Polish Baltic Defence Line and East Shield initiatives were a strong pillar for collaborations to be implemented with the EU.
Defence industry was also on the meeting agenda. “I am glad about the close Lithuanian-Polish cooperation in the Piorun VSHORAD acquisition. We really hope to receive the equipment as soon as possible,” Minister said.
Lithuania is purchasing the Polish-made Piorun VSHORAD Very Short Range Air Defence System together with Poland, Estonia and Norway. The deal on Lithuania’s side amounts to approx. EUR 154 million.
Other points of discussion were the NATO and EU agendas, assistance to Ukraine, EU SAFE employment in capability building, and more.
Minister R. Kaunas also met with Chairman of the National Defence Committee of Poland Andrzej Grzyb and visited the Mesko factory where the Piorun is manufactured.
Lithuania and Poland has built a particularly strong partnership in the area of security and defence in recent years as the countries respond to regional threat developments. Lithuania and Poland actively cooperate in NATO and EU frameworks aiming to strengthening the eastern flank of the Alliance, the cooperation ranging from joint training exercises to infrastructure projects, such as the proposed defence line matching the EU border with Russia and Belarus. Also, Lithuania with Poland, Estonia and Norway are implementing an acquisition of the Piorun Very Short Range Air Defence System (VSHORAD) together.
The Polish military have been particularly actively contributing to the NATO Air Policing Mission in the Baltic states since 2006. Their 13th and so far latest rotation was completed in the summer of 2025.
