On February 23 Minister of National Defence Arvydas Anušauskas had a meeting with Chairman of the National Defence and the Armed Forces Committee of the French National Assembly Thomas Gassilloud and his delegation visiting Lithuania. The officials discussed the bilateral cooperation of Lithuania and France, topicalities of the European security and assistance to the embattled Ukraine, as well as the agenda of the oncoming NATO Summit in Vilnius.
“We are grateful to France for you contribution to the security of the Baltic region. The active French role in the NATO enhanced Forward Presence Battalion Battle Groups in Lithuania and Estonia and contribution to the NATO Air Policing Mission in the Baltic states is a model solidarity with and commitment to our region,” says A. Anušauskas.
The most powerful fighter capability that France has, Rafale fighter jets, and airmen are currently deployed at the Lithuanian Air Force Base in Šiauliai as a reinforcement to the NATO Air Policing Mission in the Baltic states.
Lithuania has taken the decision to step up the host Nation Support and the amount of covered costs in order to offer better service conditions to Allied capabilities deploying in Lithuania.
Minister also expressed an expectation that France would back NATO decisions on a stronger air defence. At the NATO Summit in Vilnius Lithuania will aim to agree on developing a rotational regional air defence model with aircraft and ground-based air defence deployments in order to enhance the deterrence against Russia and ensure a smooth transition from air policing to air defence in case of a crisis.
During the visit to Paris late last year, Minister A. Anušauskas approved the bilateral agreement with Minister of the Armed Forces Sebastien Lecornu on adherence to the Caesar Mark II development programme. The Lithuanian Armed Forces has never had such a substantial joint project with France, it will significantly strengthen the Lithuanian Armed Forces’ defensive capabilities.
