Monday, the State Defence Council held a meeting on important security and defence issues and agreed on assistance to Ukraine, acquisition of MLRS long-range multiple launch rocket system and realization of the national defence budget.
“With the serious security challenges that Ukraine is facing in view, we have an agreement to extend support in the form of practicable assistance: we will increase the number of military instructors in our military training mission and render material and humanitarian aid. The principle message is, Lithuania and the other Baltic countries stand by Ukraine as it seeks to keep its sovereignty safe from any aggression from its neighbor,” said Minister of National Defence Arvydas Anušauskas.
The State Defence Council meeting also addressed the possibility to modify organization structure of the Lithuanian Armed Forces. According to A. Anušauskas, there are plans to increase the number of conscripts, civilian National Defence System personnel, and cadets at the Military Academy of Lithuania.
It has been agreed to advance the potential acquisition of the MLRS long-range multiple launch rocket system. The procurement is planned to be concluded together with the other Baltic states by 2026.
The State Defence Council also agreed about the necessity to fully put to use the defence spending which has grown by over 10 percent this year. According to Minister A. Anušauskas, all the funds earmarked for national defence are reserved in advance in line with Lithuanian Armed Forces capability development plans.
The State Defence Council is formed by the Minister of National Defence, President of the Republic of Lithuania, Prime Minister, Speaker of the Seimas and the Chief of Defence.
