“We anticipate fundamental decisions concerning security of the eastern flank of NATO – upgrade of the NATO eFP battle Groups to brigade level and a reliable air and missile defence for the Baltic regions – from the upcoming Summit in Madrid. We have to join forces with Allies as we work towards shared goals, therefore, we look forward to Norway’s support to our objectives,” said Minister of National Defence Arvydas Anušauskas. Today he held a meeting with Minister of Defence of Norway Bjørn Arild Gram conducting a visit to Lithuania.
“Military actions of Russia reveal the clear strategic goals Putin has to expand the Russian territory at the expense of other Eastern and Central European countries. We are grateful to Norway for deploying the additional troops which demonstrates that if there is a need, reinforcement can arrive in Lithuania very swiftly. Lithuania has a special privilege of hosting the professional and well-equipped Norwegian military personnel at the NATO enhanced Forward Presence Battalion in Rukla,” Minister said.
Ministers discussed defence cooperation of Lithuania and Norway, the war against and support to Ukraine, security situation in the region, and other issues that will be on the agenda at the NATO Summit in Madrid.
Defence Ministers of Lithuania and Norway welcomed the decision of Sweden and Finland to become members of NATO.
In February earlier this year the Government of Norway decided to send additional mechanized infantry platoon with extra support elements. In total, the Norwegian strength in the eFP is now approx. 200.
The Lithuanian-Norwegian defence cooperation is developed across various areas: defence policy planning, training. Also, in different formats: Nordic-Baltic, Northern, UK-led Joint Expeditionary Force (JEF), that all enhance security cooperation.
Norway renders support to Lithuania for strengthening the military. The bilateral military cooperation was particularly intensified by the Ministry of National Defence project on acquisition of the Norwegian Advanced Surface to Air Missile System (NASAMS) components and missiles. Norway has also transferred to Lithuania RBS-70 short-range air defence systems currently assigned to the Air Defence Battalion. The Lithuanian Armed Forces has ships procured from Norway, and more joint projects have been implemented as well.
Norwegian troops with equipment are deploying to the NATO Air Policing Mission in the Baltic states and the NATO enhanced Forward Presence Battalion Battle Group in Rukla.
