Minister of National Defence Robertas Kaunas and Deputy Prime Minister – Minister of National Defence of Poland Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz discussed the regional security situation, strengthening air defence and counter-UAV capabilities, and further defence cooperation between Lithuania and Poland Monday in Warsaw.
At the meeting, Ministers underscored that the agreement on the acquisition of the Piorun short-range defence systems has entered the final stage. The acquisition will improve the capacity of the Lithuanian Armed Forces to respond to air threats.
“Security of Lithuania and Poland is inseparable, therefore we need a cooperation that builds real action on shared objectives. One of our key priorities is to strengthen air defence. We need to exchange experience and coordinate between institutions,” said Minister of National Defence R. Kaunas.
Robertas Kaunas also pointed out a requirement for purchasing a large number of mines.
The Minister of National Defence of Lithuania also thanked Poland for its unceasing contribution to regional security – deployments to the NATO Air Policing Mission and joint Lithuanian-Polish training exercises.
When addressing the security situation, the threats posed by Russia, intensifying hybrid attacks, the recent drone incidents in Lithuania and Poland, and the protection of critical infrastructure were discussed.
Another theme discussed at the meeting was the importance of the U.S. military presence in the region. R. Kaunas also presented Lithuania’s major defence priorities of the presidency of the Council of the European Union in 2027: comprehensive assistance to Ukraine, strengthening the European defence industry, and sustained defence funding.
Minister R. Kaunas also spoke at the panel discussion on How Can Europe Build the Military Power It Needs? where he discussed the ways to translate the increasing investment into real military capabilities with NATO Deputy Secretary General Radmila Shekerinska, and high-level representatives of the Polish Ministry of National Defence and the international defence industry.
