Netherlands to Deploy Patriot Systems in Lithuania for Joint Air Defence
This summer, the Netherlands will deploy Patriot air defence systems in Lithuania for a period of two weeks. The purpose of this move is to conduct training aimed at strengthening joint air defence on NATO's eastern flank, as announced by the Lithuanian Ministry of Defence on Twitter.
"The deployment of Dutch Patriot systems in our country is great news. We thank the Netherlands for their continuous contribution to the security of the Baltic region, particularly Lithuania," emphasized Lithuanian Defence Minister Laurynas Kasciunas.
The rotational NATO air defence model was approved at last year's Vilnius Summit, and according to Laurynas Kasciunas, this decision is an important step towards implementing this model.
"Dutch military personnel actively participate in the NATO enhanced Forward Presence battalion, in the Baltic Air Policing mission, in the NATO force integration unit, and now we are strengthening our cooperation in air defence. I am confident that in the future, we will see many more projects aimed at bolstering our NATO eastern flank," added Laurynas Kasciunas.
Last week, large-scale command exercises of the Iron Wolf Brigade began in southern Lithuania. They involve over 800 military personnel and 100 units of military equipment. The exercises are organized to practice staff actions, thereby strengthening management and control procedures between the brigade and subordinate battalions and other military units.
The Gaze also reported that Germany has provided Ukraine with a new package of military assistance, including missiles for Patriot air defence systems.
Among other things, Ukraine received ammunition for the main battle tanks Leopard 2 A6, 18,000 155mm artillery shells (previously supplied 50,000), 24,000 40mm ammunition (previously 240,000), over 2,000 RGW 90 Matador anti-tank weapons (total 10,000), 70 GMW grenade launchers (previously provided 30).
Germany also provided 14 Vector reconnaissance drones with spare parts (total 196 units), 30 RQ-35 Heidrun reconnaissance drones (in addition to 155 previously supplied), 5 drone protection and interference sensors (previously supplied 79), 180 RF 360 Fieldkits drone detection systems, Satcom video surveillance system (previously 2 were supplied), 330 thermal imaging devices, and more.