NATO is strengthening air defense over the Baltic region and changing the mission's format
Lithuania explained what the expansion of NATO’s airspace control mission over the Baltic states would entail. The transition from routine patrols to an air defense mission format will allow the alliance to respond more quickly to potential threats.
According to Lithuanian officials, the new approach will make the defense system more flexible, as military personnel will not have to undergo additional political consultations every time they need to respond to dangerous situations in the airspace.
The minister stated that NATO’s latest decision regarding the protection of the Baltic states’ airspace means that the Supreme Allied Commander Europe will make decisions on strengthening air defense systems in the region after consulting with the military commands of these countries.
At the same time, he did not specify whether this would automatically mean the deployment of greater air defense capabilities in the Baltic states.
"Where and how many NATO fighter jets, ground-based air defense systems, or other equipment will be needed, (the decision) will be made by the Supreme Allied Commander Europe after consulting with the commanders of the armed forces, in response to the situation in the Baltic region, Finland, and other countries on the Eastern Flank,”, Kaunas stated.
According to him, NATO’s decision means that from now on, air defense will operate in a “flexible and defensive response” mode, rather than being subject to political discussions or debates. This will allow the Alliance to respond more quickly to air threats in the Baltic states.
“For example, if we see increased activity by Russian air forces near Lithuania, decisions can be made immediately (…) without waiting for any specific political considerations,” Kaunas assured.
He also emphasized that the air defense capabilities already deployed in the Baltic states will not be reduced.
Lithuanian Defense Minister Robertas Kaunas made these remarks in a comment to LRT.
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