Lithuania is considering purchasing air defense systems from South Korea
Lithuania is considering purchasing small-scale air defense systems and anti-drone capabilities from South Korea. Officials in Vilnius say that when selecting equipment, it is not only its specifications and cost that matter, but also how quickly it can be delivered.
Lithuanian Defense Minister Robertas Kaunas discussed the potential purchase with South Korean Ambassador to Lithuania Choi Yong-jeong. The two sides also discussed broader cooperation between the two countries in the defense sector. Kaunas noted that Lithuania is currently seeking opportunities to strengthen its air defense. The country is paying particular attention to systems capable of defending against drones and low-altitude aerial targets.
According to the minister, Vilnius will evaluate not only the quality and price of the weapons. An equally important factor will be the ability to obtain them as quickly as possible. “Looking ahead, we are exploring opportunities for cooperation with South Korea’s defense industry in the procurement of air defense systems. In the field of 30–40-millimeter anti-aircraft guns, South Korean manufacturers are among the most reliable and could ensure rapid delivery,” Kaunas said.
This refers, in particular, to small-scale air defense systems and anti-drone capabilities. Such weapons can be used to protect critical infrastructure from drones and other aerial threats.
Lithuania Wants to Do More Than Just Buy Weapons
During the meeting, representatives of the two countries also discussed industrial cooperation. In particular, they discussed the possibility of manufacturing some defense products directly in Lithuania. In other words, cooperation may not be limited to purchasing ready-made systems from South Korea.
This is also important for Vilnius given the security situation in the region. Lithuania borders Russia and Belarus, which is considered a military ally of Moscow. Kaunas noted that Lithuania and South Korea face a similar security challenge. Both countries are neighbors to states that pose a military threat to them. “Lithuania and South Korea, both of which are neighbors to hostile regimes, share a similar security situation, so the countries have the conditions for closer cooperation in the defense sector,” the minister emphasized.
As a result, Lithuania is currently considering South Korea as a potential partner to strengthen its air defense capabilities and protect against drones. No final decision on the procurement of South Korean systems has been announced yet, according to Delfi.
Since the beginning of the year, Lithuanian border guards have discovered 12 underground tunnels near the border with Belarus that migrants were using to try to enter the country. The tunnels on Lithuanian territory were up to 25 meters long, according to Deutsche Welle, citing the Lithuanian State Border Guard Service.
