Minister of National Defence Laurynas Kasčiūnas has wrapped his visit in Brussels for the NATO Defence Ministerial, which focused on strengthening NATO’s deterrence and defence and Allies’ assistance to Ukraine. This was the final meeting of the Alliance Ministers of Defence before the NATO Summit in Washington in July.
“We expect deliverables for strengthening NATO collective defence from the Washington Summit. Executability of the NATO defence plans, increasing defence spending to at least 3 percent of GDP in every members state, and practical implementation of the Rotational Air Defence Model are the fundamental issues we need solved immediately,” said L. Kasčiūnas at the NATO Defence Ministers’ meeting.
According to Minister, more defence funding enables to develop joint defenses, a critical part of stronger deterrence.
“Lithuania’s defence spending this year will hit the target 3 percent of GDP and ensure that the critical work continues – division-level capability is developed, air defence is strengthened, military commandant’s offices established, the trained reserve is enlarged, and preparation for stationing the German Brigade is effective. We can be certain to claim that 2 percent of GDP defence spending is past and also obsolete in terms of satisfying principal defence requirements of every member state the whole Alliance,” said L. Kasčiūnas.
The NATO Defence Ministerial formulated the key objectives for the NATO Summit in Washington. The new Defence Industrial Pledge is planned to be approved in July to scale up military production. Decisions to adapt the NATO Command Structure, improve the integrated air and missiles defense systems, and coordinate between defence plans and defence capabilities will be sought to strengthen NATO deterrence and defence. The Summit in Washington will also address assistance for Ukraine and prospects of Ukraine’s path to NATO membership.
Photo: courtesy of NATO
