Italy deploys SAMP/T air defence system to Lithuania in NATO exercise

On 6 February, Lithuania’s Minister of National Defence, Dovilė Šakalienė, met with Italy’s Undersecretary of State for Defence, Isabella Rauti, to discuss the implementation of the air defence model. Minister Šakalienė highlighted the significance of defending NATO’s northeastern flank, expressing deep gratitude for Italy’s contribution to regional security.

The SAMP/T system will be integrated into an exercise in Šiauliai this February, working alongside NATO Air Policing assets provided by France and Italy. It will also be synchronised with NATO’s air and missile defence command and control system and Lithuania’s NASAMS capability to enhance regional air defence operations.

Italy is currently conducting its seventh rotation of the NATO Air Policing Mission in the Baltic states, further strengthening its commitment to regional security. Additionally, Italy contributes to NATO’s Multinational Battle Group in Lithuania and operates naval patrols in the Baltic Sea.

Last year, the Netherlands deployed its Patriot air defence system in Lithuania as part of the Baltic Connection 24 combat readiness cycle. This marked a significant milestone in the implementation of NATO’s Rotational Air Defence Model, reinforcing the alliance’s defence posture in the region.