Netherlands deploy the PATRIOT air defence system in Lithuania

Source: Lithuanian Armed Forces

Lithuania will host the Baltic Connection 24 (BALTCON24) exercise from July 7 to 19, featuring the deployment of the Dutch PATRIOT long-range air and missile defence system. This significant event highlights NATO’s commitment to bolstering its integrated air and missile defence capabilities in the region.

 

The Lithuanian Air Force’s Air Defence Battalion will showcase its NASAMS medium-range air defence systems alongside the Royal Netherlands Air Force’s Patriot system. The exercise will also involve Spanish and Portuguese fighter jets, which are currently undertaking NATO’s Baltic air policing mission, and the Lithuanian Armed Forces’ Air Operations Centre and Air Force aircraft.

“The deployment of the Patriot air defence system for the bilateral exercise in Lithuania marks the first step in implementing the decision made at last year’s NATO summit in Vilnius to establish a rotational air defence model to strengthen NATO’s integrated air and missile defence,” the Lithuanian Ministry of National Defence stated. This move is seen as a crucial enhancement of NATO’s defensive posture in the Baltic region.

BALTCON24 aims to train the redeployment and integration of air defence capabilities, ensuring unified command and control, and effective execution of air defence operations. The exercise will not involve any sound, smoke simulations, or explosive devices. However, residents can expect an increase in the movement of military vehicles and various types of aircraft throughout both day and night.

 

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