“Integration of the principle of total defence is one of the top priorities on the national security agenda. In the context of the Russian war in Ukraine, it is vital not only to accelerate the development of defensive capabilities but also to focus on cohesion with civilian agencies and public readiness to defend the state,” said Vice Minister of National Defence Žilvinas Tomkus meeting Lauri Abel ir Undersecretary for Defence Readiness Lauri Abel and a delegation of the Defence Readiness Department of the Ministry of Defence of Estonia April 27.
They discussed issues related to defence planning, mobilization, crisis and emergency management. Also, exchanged best practices and discussed lessons identified in the light of Putin’s war in Ukraine.
“In recent years, we have made significant progress on total defence: increased defence spending, modernized the Lithuanian Armed Forces, developed new capabilities, drafted the mobilization and crises management reform, and continued preparing citizens for national defence. However, this is not enough in the changed security situation – we need to further improve processes and practices while coordinating with each other, both inside our country and in cooperation with the Allies,” said Vice Minister Ž. Tomkus.
Estonia chairs the Baltic Defence Cooperation this year. The most intense Baltic cooperation in the recent years has been on officer training at the Baltic Defence College, NATO Air Policing, naval capabilities and joint training, as well as synchronization of defence planning, joint exercises, classes, seminars, cooperation among separate services.
