On February 25 Vice Minister of National Defence Vilius Semeška met with representatives of the Office of Defence Cooperation of the U.S. Embassy in Lithuania to discuss jointly conducted infrastructure development projects that contribute to the improvement of training and living conditions of not only Lithuanian troops but of U.S. and other allies’ forces in Lithuania.
“Security and defence cooperation with the United States is one of the most important priorities of the Government. The U.S. support significantly contributes to the enhancement of defensive capabilities of the Baltic region, as well as of Lithuania. We are grateful to the Embassy for all the support and we appreciate our cooperation growing even stronger. The U.S. battalion deployed in Lithuania for the third time is an excellent example of it. We are increasing our interoperability between the Lithuanian and the U.S. forces by procuring U.S equipment – joint light tactical vehicles, helicopters – with the U.S. assistance. Our aim is to continue the close cooperation with the united States,” Vice Minister of National Defence V. Semeška said.
The cooperation with NATO allies is growing significantly stronger in the recent years, more joint exercises are held, therefore, seeking to ensure deterrence and proper conditions for our and allied forces, Lithuania is developing military training areas and improving infrastructure. Additional investments are made for improving military mobility: the new railhead of Pabradė-Pažeimenė railway line near Pabradė opened in spring last year improves conditions of deploying military vehicles and equipment of NATO allies.
The United States has made significant investments in adaptation of Lithuanian military areas to military needs. Several projects have been already completed on U.S. funds at Pabradė, Rukla, Kazlų Rūda, such as precision fire, sniper, light infantry arms and heavy machine-guns, infantry fighting vehicle firing ranges, maintenance facility, other training and area upkeep infrastructure. Lithuania and the United States are also developing joint projects for acquisition of weaponry systems. For example, the Javelin antitank missile systems have been bought from the U.S for years, contracts have been signed with the U.S. Government on acquisition of four Black Hawk helicopters, 200 units of the Joint Light Tactical Vehicle (JLTV).
Results of a public opinion poll carried out by request of the Ministry National Defence in the end of 2020 show that Lithuanian residents rank the United States first as the most important strategic partner in defence area.
Photo credits: G. Maksimovicz-Alkema
