146 soldiers of the Portuguese Navy will deploy to Lithuania for three months of training in the beginning of June. Their presence in Lithuania will be part of the NATO Assurance Measures introduced to strengthen deterrence and defence against the threats facing the Allies. 140 marines and 6 Navy divers will be training with subordinate units of the Lithuanian Motorized Infantry Brigade Griffin.
“Portugal has been contributing rotational forces to Lithuania since 2015. It is an important demonstration of solidarity through contribution to deterrence and defence in the eastern flank of NATO. Portugal actively takes part in the NATO Assurance Measures with marine rotations and air force detachments sent to conduct the NATO Air Policing Mission in the Baltic states,” says Minister of National Defence Arvydas Anušauskas.
Four F-16 fighter aircraft and 85 airmen of the Portuguese Air Force are deploying to Lithuania this year as well. From September to December Portuguese troops will be enhancing the NATO Air Policing Mission in the Baltic states conducted by Spain and Italy since the beginning of May.
Photo credits: Laura Jokšaitė
