Lithuania Transfers NASAMS Launcher Systems to Ukraine

The Armed Forces of Ukraine have received two launcher stations for medium-range anti-aircraft missile systems NASAMS, which were acquired by Lithuania. The transfer of equipment was announced by the Ministry of Defense of the Republic of Lithuania.

Lithuania's Minister of National Defense, Arvydas Anušauskas, stated that these NASAMS launcher stations would be integrated into the units of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, thereby expanding the operational capabilities of NASAMS systems provided by Norway and the United States.

In June, the Defense Resources Agency at the Ministry of Defense of Lithuania signed a contract with the Norwegian company Kongsberg for the acquisition of these NASAMS launcher stations. Prior to the transfer, Ukrainian military personnel underwent comprehensive training on their operation.

Along with the NASAMS launcher stations, Lithuania also provided high-mileage vehicles necessary for the missile complex crews. The Norwegian Ministry of Defense, in turn, provided an additional service package for the complexes.

The total value of Lithuania's military assistance to Ukraine currently stands at approximately half a billion euros. Lithuania's budget for 2024 also includes an allocation of 340 million euros to support Ukraine.

It is important to note that earlier this week, President Volodymyr Zelensky announced the deployment of new NASAMS air defense systems for active duty.

Furthermore, Moldova has received its first batch of military aid from the French Ministry of Defense. This aid includes various types of equipment, material resources, light infantry weaponry, and ammunition. The provided equipment and gear for infantry are intended to ensure compatibility between Moldovan military forces and the armies of European Union and NATO countries during joint exercises and missions.

This assistance was granted following the expression of support by President Emmanuel Macron of France during the European Political Community summit held on June 1 in the Republic of Moldova, and after the visit of France's Minister of Defense, Sébastien Lecornu, to Chisinau in September of this year. The Republic of Moldova and France collaborate in the defense sector based on an agreement between the defense ministries of both countries signed in Paris on July 15, 1998.