“We a firmly committed to work on our security. We are investing in strengthening and modernisation of our armed forces. We appreciate allies’ presence in Lithuania and we mean to retain it,” V. Umbrasas said at the meeting.
Vice Minister of National Defence V. Umbrasas and Deputy Permanent Secretary at the Danish Ministry of Defence K. Hoeg-Jensen signed a bilateral agreement on reciprocal protection of classified information.
Vice Minister also paid a visit to crews of the Lithuanian Navy ships LNS Žemaitis and LNS Skalvis training at Exercise Northern Coasts 2019. One of the largest maritime exercises in the Baltic Sea this year is held in the territorial waters and exclusive economic zone of Denmark. LNS Žemaitis (P11) patrol ship and LNS Skalvis (M53) mine countermeasures ship are taking part in the exercise on Lithuania’s behalf. Exercise Northern Coasts typically encompasses wide spectrum military maritime training.
Lithuania and Denmark are bound by a longstanding partnership in defence area dating back to the very re-establishment of Lithuania’s independence. Both countries take part in international exercises, Operation Inherent Resolve in Iraq, cooperate in NATO and JEF frameworks. The Motorised Infantry Brigade Griffin is affiliated to the Danish Division. Danish officer Col Jakob Sogard Larsen heads the NATO Force Integration Unit in Lithuania.
Denmark is one of the most active contributors to the NATO Air Policing Mission in the Baltic states currently providing already the 7th Danish air detachment.
The country has also contributed to multilateral Baltic projects: BALTRON (Baltic Naval Squadron), BALTNET (Baltic Air Surveillance Network), BALTDEFCOL (Baltic Defence College in Tartu, Estonia).
