Italy will deploy ground-based long-range air defense systems SAMP/T for exercises to be held in Lithuania in February, says Minister of National Defense Dovilė Šakalienė.
"Italy allocates capacity NATO "For the implementation of the rotational air defense model, Lithuania is deploying ground-based long-range air defense systems SAMP/T for upcoming exercises. This decision significantly contributes to deterrence and strengthening defense," the minister noted.
She spoke after a meeting on Thursday with the Secretary of State of the Italian Ministry of Defense, Isabella Rauti.
"The security of Europe directly depends on the defense of the North-Eastern flank, therefore we are grateful to Italy for its significant contribution to the security of our region," said D. Šakalienė.
According to the Ministry of National Defence, during the exercises to be held in Šiauliai in February, the interaction of the Italian air defence systems SAMP/T, Italian and French fighter jets participating in the Baltic Air Policing mission, the NATO air defence command and control system with the Lithuanian air defence systems NASAMS will be synchronized, ensuring the implementation of regional air defence operations.
Italy is currently participating in the NATO air policing mission in the Baltic States for the seventh time, contributing its capabilities to NATO forward-deployed battalion battle groups, and the country's warships also patrol the Baltic Sea.
Last year, the Dutch Patriot ground-based long-range air defense system was deployed in Lithuania for the combat training period "Baltic Connection 24".
The decision to implement the NATO air defense rotational model was made at the NATO summit held in Vilnius in 2023.
Lithuania has discussed the possibility of rotation with the United States, Germany, Sweden, the Netherlands, Italy, Greece, and other countries.
At present, allied fighter jets on duty in the Baltic States mainly perform patrol functions and take off to identify and escort Russian military aircraft flying over the Baltic Sea violating international flight rules.
[email protected], Lithuanian news department
