On February 8 Minister of National Defence Arvydas Anušauskas met with the new Ambassador of Italy to Lithuania HE Emanuele de Maigret whom he requested for Italy’s assistance to Lithuania in supplying spare parts for the Spartan cargo aircraft in a timely manner.
The most significant instance in defence cooperation between Lithuania and Italy to date has been the acquisition of the C-27J Spartan aircraft from the Italian company Leonardo’s Aircraft Division. According to Minister, there are ongoing negotiations with the company on a Spartan maintenance contract update.
“Leonardo has voiced a wish to extend the terms of spares supply beyond the current, something we’d rather not approve. Therefore we turn to Italy to take action and ensure that spare parts for the Spartan aircraft arrive in Lithuania on time,” said A. Anušauskas to Ambassador.
Minister also thanked for Italy’s contribution to the regional security: active role in the NATO Air Policing Mission in the Baltic states and the NATO enhanced Forward Presence Battalion Battle Group Latvia.
As well, A. Anušauskas and E. de Magreit touched upon the NATO Summit in Washington, the necessity for a practical implementation of the Rotational NATO Air Defence model, and assistance to Ukraine. Italy is one of the 16 countries who decided to become a part of the demining coalition for Ukraine Lithuania assembles.
