Today, Minister of National Defence Robertas Kaunas received Members of the UK Parliament – Members of the House of Commons Jesicca Morden, Rt Hon Sir John Whittingdale, Chris Law, Iqbal Mohamed, and Member of the House of Lords Rt Hon Lord Bruce of Bennachie. He discussed with the guests regional security, security cooperation, transatlantic relations, air defence, support to Ukraine, strengthening defence industry, and more topics.
“The United Kingdom is one of our principal partners in security and defence in the northern flank, and the Baltic Sea region as well, which contributes greatly to the security of the region. We thank you for your leadership in the area of security and our excellent cooperation,” Minister R. Kaunas said.
The meeting focussed considerably on strengthening air defence. Minister underscored that the hybrid threats which had become more prominent on the eastern flank, especially the drone breach incidents called for practical solutions, for which reason Lithuania saw value in experimental systems we would test in field conditions and integrate in the collective defence architecture more quickly.
“Effective air defence is one of the core elements of the NATO collective defence. Lithuania prioritizes purposeful effort to strengthen the capability for detection and neutralization of low altitude, slow and small air targets. We are conducting the necessary procedures in terms of legislation and funding to be ready to act quickly and efficiently,” Minister R. Kaunas said.
Minister pointed out the necessity to intensify assistance to Ukraine in its self-defence and to retain the political and economic pressure on russia. He also noted that “russia only spoke the language of force, therefore we need to seek peace through strength and not just support Ukraine but also invest in our own capabilities, facilitate industrial cooperation and integrate technological innovation.”
The United Kingdom is one of Lithuania’s key strategic partners in security and defence. Lithuania and the UK maintain tight collaboration in bilateral and multilateral – NATO, Nordic countries’ – formats. For instance, the UK-led Joint Expeditionary Force (JEF) which includes 10 European member states ready to deploy over 10 thousand military personnel in response to modern threats, thus strengthening security of Lithuania and the entire region, as well as the European military capabilities.
The UK holds significant input in the development of the Lithuanian military training system and accepting Lithuanian military personnel to grow professionally in the different UK education institutions ( Royal Military Academy Sandhurst, Joint Services Command and Staff College, Cranfield University, London King’s College).
The United Kingdom is the Framework Nation of the NATO Multinational Battle Group in Estonia and contributes troops to the U.S.-led NATO Multinational Battle Group in Poland. The NATO Energy Security Centre of Excellence and the NATO Force Integration Unit in Vilnius also feature Polish members in their staffs.
