On October 25 Minister of National Defence Arvydas Anušauskas emphasized at a meeting with U.S. Senator Jon Tester the importance of a persistent U.S. presence in Lithuania as a deterrent and corresponding Lithuania’s commitment to step up the Host Nation Support and improve infrastructure.
“We are grateful for the rotation plan ensuring the persistent presence of a rotational U.S. battalion until early 2026 in the least. We hope to retain the persistent rotational presence after the date as well. The U.S. troop presence is a particularly meaningful deterrent, we are obliged to ensure their readiness and every support to be available,” said Minister A. Anušauskas.
J.Tester visited the U.S. troops at Pabradė and toured Camp Herkus installed specifically for them. Senator J.Tester is a Democrat from Montana, Chair of the Senate Appropriations Defense Subcommittee. Part of the military support rendered to Lithuania by the U.S. depends on his approval.
“It is a great honor for me to be in Vilnius and meet Defence Minister A. Anušauskas to discuss the critically important military and diplomatic partnership between Lithuania and the U.S. The United States is proud to be able to contribute to the Lithuanian Armed Forces modernization program which is instrumental in ensuring security and territorial integrity of the country. We will continue our unwavering support to Ukraine and our European allies in defending their freedom and democracy against the Russian aggression,” Senator said.
Overall U.S. support for 2022 was increased to USD 221 million with the adoption of additional financing package in October. Accordion to A. Anušauskas, the funds will help Lithuania refill the capabilities.
“We are grateful to the U.S. for the support to our capability development. We hope the additional American assistance and supply chain output will enable to backfill and strengthen the most needed capabilities,” said A. Anušauskas.
Minister also discussed with the Senator Lithuania’s partnership with the Pennsylvania National Guard and assistance to Ukraine.
The Unite States is Lithuania’s strategic partners and one of the key Allies for the security of the Baltic region. The U.S. is also one the chief partners in defence acquisitions: Lithuania has been procuring the Javelin anti-tank missile systems from the U.S. for years, there are contracts with the U.S. Government in place on procurement of 500 units of the Joint Light Tactical Vehicle and 4 Black Hawk helicopters. The countries are currently also building on the cooperation on cybersecurity.
Photo credit: MoD / K. Kavolėlis
