Objects of infrastructure – target positions for tracked combat vehicles, fire adjustment range for tracked combat vehicles and tanks, air target positions, firing range HQ, munitions storage area, warehouse – developed for the needs of Lithuania and our allies on United States funding were officially handed over to the Lithuanian Armed Forces at the Gen Silvestras Žukauskas Training Area in Pabradė (Švenčionys region). The infrastructure development in the Training Area will facilitate readiness of allies and their interoperability with Lithuanian colleagues through training conditions, and thus increase the effectiveness of deterrence and defence.
The United States allotted roughly EUR 3.6 million from the Government’s European Deterrence Initiative for building six objects of infrastructure at the Pabradė Training Area. The projects were implemented over 2017-2018.
“U.S. investment in Lithuania’s military infrastructure shows that Lithuania remains to be an important priority of the U.S. defence policy. Strengthening our logistical capabilities together with the United States, we are providing ideal training conditions for combat units of the U.S and other NATO allies and contribute to the creation of a logistical corridor for a swift deployment of allied forces into Lithuania and other Baltic states. The Pabradė Training Area is a military infrastructure with strategic importance and the projects completed here today on U.S. funds symbolise the growing potential of Lithuanian Armed Forces infrastructure to ensure combat training and readiness of Lithuania and NATO military units,” Vice Minister of National Defence Giedrimas Jeglinskas said at the handover ceremony in the Pabradė Training Area on February 15.
According to U.S. representatives, the projects completed in the largest military training area in Lithuania is an outstanding example of U.S. funding helping strengthen interoperability of NATO allies. The military area in Pabradė is constantly used for training not only by Lithuanian and U.S. soldiers but also by NATO enhanced Forward Presence Battalion Battle Group personnel and troops from other allied nations.
“This and the other ongoing U.S. investments in Lithuania’s military infrastructure demonstrates ironclad U.S. solidarity with Lithuania and our NATO allies and the U.S. commitment to collective defence. Likewise, we deeply appreciate Lithuania’s dedication to NATO, contributing both funds and personnel to protect the territorial integrity of all allies. The Lithuanians have been wonderful partners and hosts for the U.S. troops who are here for training and exercises. European Deterrence Initiative funding used toward the infrastructure improvement will increase the readiness and interoperability of Lithuania units, NATO’s eFP Battle Group, and U.S. units. Stronger Lithuania is stronger Europe, which is stronger NATO and stronger United States,” said Christopher Chambliss, Chief of the Defense Cooperation Office, U.S. Embassy Vilnius.
The handover of infrastructure objects ceremony was also attended by Commander of the Training and Doctrine Command of the Lithuanian Armed Forces Brig Gen Gintautas Zenkevičius, U.S. Army Europe, Deputy Commanding General for the Army National Guard Maj Gen John Gronski, other representatives of the Ministry of National Defence, U.S. Embassy, and the Lithuanian and the U.S. Armed Forces.
The objects of infrastructure that have just been completed and handed over to the Lithuanian Armed Forces are just a part of objects financed under the European Deterrence Initiative (EDI) and built in Lithuania’s military training areas. In total, the U.S. will spend roughly USD 17 million to accommodate military training areas of Lithuania to military needs in 2016 –2021. Several projects have been completed on U.S. financing in military training areas in Pabradė, Rukla, and Kazlų Rūda before too – a firing range for sharpshooters and snipers, firing ranges for light infantry arms and heavy machine-guns, a firing range for infantry fighting vehicles.
The United States is Lithuania’s strategic partner and key ally for the security of the Baltic region. The U.S. actively participates in the implementation of the Assurance Measures in the Baltic states thus strengthening security and stability in the region. The country contributes soldiers, equipment and finance to the defence of our region. According to the European Deterrence Initiative, the financial support for strengthening defensive capabilities and improving military infrastructure of European countries, including Lithuania, is consistently increased by one third every year. The U.S. is also among the main partners in weaponry procurement. Lithuania is acquiring anti-aircraft missiles, Bushmaster turrets for combat vehicles, Javelin anti-tank systems, and other equipment from U.S. manufacturers.
The infrastructure projects are financed not only from national funds but also the NATO Security Investment Programme and the U.S. EDI/ERI, and funds of the countries contributing to the NATO enhanced Forward Presence Battalion Battle Group in Lithuania. Development works have been planned for five military training areas but the main focus is two military areas recognized as objects of national importance – the Gen S.Žukauskas Training Area in Pabradė and the Gaižiūnai Training Area.
Photos: courtesy of the U.S. Embassy in Lithuania
