“The security of NATO will depend on the security of the Eastern part of the Alliance – if we are ready to defend the most vulnerable region we will be ready to defend the whole NATO,” said Vice Minister of National Defence Margiris Abukevičius meeting with Minister of Foreign Affairs of Spain José Manuel Albares Bueno visiting Lithuania on April 28.
During the meeting at the Lithuanian Air Force Base at Šiauliai M. Abukevičius thanked Spain for the contribution to the Baltic region security. The Spanish Air Force is currently deployed on its ninth rotation of the NATO Air Policing Mission in the Baltic states, securing airspace of our region with eight F-18 Hornet fighter jets. Spain also contributes military personnel to the NATO enhanced Forward Presence Battalion Battle Group in Latvia.
According to Vice Minister, Spain plays a key role in strengthening the stability and deterrence in the region, however, the NATO forward defence needs to be adapted to the changes in the security situation. Lithuania expects Spain’s support at the NATO Summit in Madrid in June which will take decisions on the implementation of the concept of forward defence.
“We are talking advanced and adapted forward defence, enlargement of forward battalions to the level of brigade of division, swift reinforcement capability, including equipment pre-positioning and air defence. We are already spending 2.52 percent of GDP on Defence in Lithuania, we are expanding defence capabilities and we are prepared to expand the Host Nation Support to deploying NATO forces as well,” said M. Abukevičius.
Vic Minister highlighted to importance of bilateral cooperation with Spain and underscored that Lithuania was well aware of security threats in the southern flank of NATO too. According to M. Abukevičius, Lithuania is constantly surveying the security situation in Africa and South Europe and retains the contributions to the international UN, NATO and EU mission and operations.
