On February 10–20, bilateral exercises between the Italian and Lithuanian Air Defense Battalions are taking place, during which the Italian air defense system SAMP/T is deployed in Lithuania, and training is being given on the redeployment and integration of capabilities, unified command and control, and the execution of air defense operations. These bilateral exercises are part of the implementation of the NATO integrated air and missile defense model in the Baltic States.
"Italy and Lithuanian army "air defense assets operate in a coordinated mode, can exchange information, airspace picture and perform tasks within the common NATO air defense system. This is another step forward in implementing the NATO air defense rotational model. I thank the representatives of the Italian military from the NATO Air Policing and Air Defense Unit for their good preparation, professional execution of tasks and I wish everyone success," said the Chief of the Defense Staff of the Lithuanian Armed Forces, Lt. Gen. Remigijus Baltrėnas.
The main role of the Italian air defense system SAMP/T is to protect deployed troops and vital facilities in the area of operation. The system can attack aircraft, as well as various missiles, including cruise missiles, and counter tactical ballistic missiles. The main components of the air defense system are the Aster 30 missile and the Arabel multi-purpose radar. SAMP/T was designed to operate in extreme conditions of various jamming and electronic countermeasures.
"NATO's Rotational Air Defence Model, approved at the Vilnius NATO Summit, is becoming a reality. By implementing it, we are strengthening the air defence and deterrence of the entire Alliance. We must continue to maintain a 360-degree approach to security, and Lithuania and Italy must remain strong allies," said Deputy Minister of National Defence Tomas Godliauskas.
The Lithuanian Air Force (LAF) Air Defense Battalion with NASAMS medium-range air defense systems, the Italian Air Force SAMP/T air defense system, Italian and French fighter jets carrying out the NATO air policing mission in the Baltic States, and the Lithuanian Air Operations Center are participating in the exercise.
Italy is currently participating in the NATO air policing mission in the Baltic States for the seventh time and is taking off to identify and escort Russian military aircraft violating international flight rules over the Baltic Sea. It also contributes its capabilities to NATO multinational battle groups, and the country's warships also patrol the Baltic Sea.
At the Vilnius Summit, NATO leaders agreed on a NATO Air Defence Rotational Model, which aims to strengthen NATO’s Integrated Air and Missile Defence and enable a smooth transition to air defence tasks. This model will work alongside the NATO Air Policing Mission and will establish principles under which countries can deploy and integrate ground-based air and missile defence systems and additional fighter aircraft on a rotational basis, starting with NATO’s Eastern flank. As part of this model, the Dutch Patriot ground-based long-range air defence system was deployed to Lithuania last year for the Baltic Connection 24 combat training period.
