Today Minister of National Defence Laurynas Kasčiūnas and Minister of Defence of Sweden Pal Jonson signed a Letter of Intent in Brussels tightening the cooperation in the area of defence industry and air defence. NATO Allies agreed to consider options for deploying Swedish air defence capabilities in Lithuania and intensify collaboration on defence industry.
The Letter of Intent between Lithuania and Sweden will not only strengthen Lithuania’s defensive capabilities, it also demonstrates regional solidarity and united response to security challenges. The agreements are already turned into actions. Lithuania plans purchasing tracked infantry fighting vehicles from Sweden soon. We are also in a conversation regarding their contribution to the Rotational NATO Air Defence Model,” said Minister of National Defence Laurynas Kasčiūnas.
The Rotational NATO Air Defence Model is designed to increase readiness of the Alliance air and missile defence capabilities. The initiative encompasses deployment of Allied ground-based air defence systems and additional aviation capabilities.
The countries also took note of the strategic importance of the Baltic Sea region and agreed to aim for a closer cooperation in strengthening harbor protection and coastal defence.
The Letter of Intent underlines the long-term assistance to Ukraine. Lithuania and Sweden will continue providing training assistance, demining initiatives, financial and practical assistance thus helping Ukraine in its strategic path towards NATO and EU membership. Sweden has confirmed its intent to join the Capability Coalition for Demining led by Lithuania and Iceland.
