“I spoke to the Chief of Defence of the Netherlands General Onno Eichelsheim in Brussels about deploying the Patriot system for training in Lithuania still this January and here we have the bilateral training period today essentially break the ice towards further implementation of the Rotational NATO Air Defence Model agreed on at the NATO Summit in Vilnius last year. I am grateful to our Dutch Ally for your solidarity, demonstration of resolve and a role model for other NATO Allies – you are an example of exceptional leadership. I sincerely hope this is not the last time the Netherlands are deploying the Patriot system for training in Lithuania,” said Chief of Defence Gen Valdemaras Rupšys commenting on the objectives reached at the training period and plans for the future.
The aim of the readiness cycle is to integrate together the different systems used by NATO Allies and to hone air defence operations, to place the training audience in a realistic and challenging environment where they can train as they would fight. The Allies trained capability redeployment and integration, unified command and control and execution of air defence operations. The training period has been successful and resultative, therefore the political and military leadership of the Netherlands may decide to make the bilateral cooperation an annual activity or a regular exercise so as to train for movement and integration during different seasons.
“Deployment of the Patriot missile and air defence system of the Netherlands is an excellent example to the Allies and a firm step forward towards implementation of the Rotational NATO Air Defence Model in this part of Europe. We look forward to further cooperation with the Netherlands on readiness for air defence tasks and more Patriot deployments in Lithuania soon. The advanced air and missile defence system is a particularly important factor of deterrence in the air, therefore deployment of the Patriot and its readiness activities with NASAMS units in Lithuania significantly contributes to the collective deterrence and defence measures,” said Minister of National Defence Laurynas Kasčiūnas.
Deployment of the Patriot air defence system in Lithuania is the first step towards implementing the Rotational NATO Air Defence Model agreed to at the NATO Summit in Vilnius last year which is intended to strengthen the NATO Integrated Air and Missile Defence System and ensure a smooth transition to air defence tasks. The Model will function alongside with the NATO Air Policing Mission and will define the principles based on which the Allies will deploy and integrate ground-based air and missile defence systems and additional fighter aircraft, starting with the eastern flank of NATO. It will improve readiness for air defence, air force readiness and interoperability.
