“To implement the rotational air defence model in the eastern flank of NATO, we need to continue the intense Baltic collaboration and to attract new Allied capabilities to our region. This will strengthen the deterrence against Russia and ensure a smooth transition from air policing to air defence in the event of a crisis,” says Minister of National Defence Arvydas Anušauskas.
Thursday A. Anušauskas met with Minister of Defence of Latvia Ināra Mūrniece who is in Lithuania on a formal visit. The officials have discussed plans and prospects for further defence cooperation of the two countries, joint Baltic projects, capability development and support to Ukraine.
Ministers particularly focused on the discussion about the opportunities for implementation of the rotational air defence model in the eastern part of NATO, as well as implementation of the NATO Forward Defence, and decisions concerning NATO’s further steps on collective defence.
A. Anušauskas and I. Mūrniece also discussed preparations for the upcoming NATO Summit in Vilnius this July.
Latvia is the NATO Ally that shares the longest border with Lithuania and Lithuania’s important partner in military cooperation. The countries coordinate defence plans and cooperate in the areas of defence capability development, joint procurement and other military areas.
Photo credits: MoD / A. Pliadis
