US Battalion to Stay in Lithuania Indefinitely
Lithuania's Minister of Defence Laurynas Kasčiūnas announced that the American military battalion would remain in the country indefinitely, rather than until the end of 2025 as previously planned, according to LRT.
The Lithuanian official, currently on a visit to the United States, noted that Washington highly values the conditions of military presence and training in Lithuania, which ensure the necessary readiness of the country's armed forces for any scenarios.
"During my visit to Washington, I received a firm and clear confirmation from the US National Security Council and the Pentagon that the presence of the United States in Lithuania is indefinite, and the deployment of forces in the region will remain unchanged," Kasčiūnas stated.
During meetings in Washington with American officials, Laurynas Kasčiūnas "clearly conveyed" that the presence of the US in Lithuania is essential. Together with NATO, the German brigade, and national armed forces, they form a significant combat force capable of reliably deterring Russia.
The Lithuanian Minister of Defence also announced that the United States has expedited the delivery of Javelin anti-tank missiles to Lithuania, which will arrive in May.
It's worth noting that after the US approved the plan for force rotation in the Baltic countries in 2022, it was announced that the American battalion would stay in Lithuania until the end of 2025.
The Gaze reported earlier that Lithuanian Minister of Defence Laurynas Kasčiūnas called on Sweden to participate in NATO's mission to patrol the Baltic airspace, conducted from Lithuania's territory, and to deploy its fighter jets in the country during a meeting with his Swedish counterpart Paul Johnsson, as reported by the Lithuanian Ministry of Defence's press service.
"Defence plans of NATO, cooperation in air and coastal defence, port protection, analysis of cyber threats, defence industry, maritime situational awareness, and support for Ukraine were among the main topics of our candid conversation," noted Laurynas Kasčiūnas.
According to the Lithuanian Defence Minister, the military-air forces of both countries have greatly benefited from information exchange, systematic integration, and procedure enhancements. Furthermore, the Lithuanian Minister of Defence expressed Vilnius's desire to make the rotational model of air defence a permanent NATO activity.