Chief of Defence Gen Valdemaras Rupšys has concluded his two-day visit in Brussels where he took part in the EU Military Committee (EUMC) and the NATO Military Committee (NATO MC).
On May 15 the European Union Chiefs of Defence appointed Irish Defence Forces Lieutenant General Sean Clancy the new EUMC Chairman. The CHODs also took the decision to close the EU Training Mission in Mali (EUTM Mali) in an “all in all out” manner. The Committee then discussed the course and targets of EUNAVFOR ASPIDES in the Red Sea. Launched in early February 2024, the voluntary EU military operation protects commercial shipping in the Red Sea against hussy attacks by escorting and ensuring maritime situational awareness through cooperation with partners.
Yet another important topic addressed at the EUMC was development of the Rapid Deployment Capacity (EU RDC) intended to respond to crisis within the EU territory and outside across of stages of the conflict cycle. It is one of the most important deliverables of the Strategic Compass adopted in March 2022 expected to reach Full Operational Capability by 2025 and comprise a 5000-strong modular force. The EU RDC format enables to tailor the deployable forces to a concrete mission or operation. Chief of Defence reiterated Lithuania’s intent to contribute to the Rapid Deployable Capacity national units which would begin service in composition of the German brigade from 2025.
Assistance to Ukraine remains high on the agenda of meetings in Brussels, as well as coordination of EU member states on acquisition and delivery of equipment to Ukraine in the near-term and long-term. The Lithuanian Armed Forces continues supporting the EU Military Assistance Mission in support of Ukraine EUMAM and welcomes potential expansion of its action scope at the next strategic mission review.
At the NATO Military Committee on May 16 the 32 Allied CHODs and Chief of Staff of the Ukrainian Armed Forces Major General Anatoliy Barhylevych who joined by a separate invitation on behalf of the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine General Oleksandr Syrskyi, discussed the situation on the ground in Ukraine, the capabilities needed to ensure efficient defence and support of NATO Allies to Ukraine. Lithuanian Chief of Defence noted the particular importance of mutual coordination between NATO Allies in rendering weaponry aid to Ukraine so as to complement each of their provided capabilities.
The Committee took stock of the course of the implementation of regional defence plans. According to the participating CHODs, the progress made aligned with the level of ambition set beforehand. Wide-scale exercise Steadfast Defender 2024 conducted in the United States and Europe this spring has demonstrated the Alliance’s increased strengthen readiness to fight.
The final session of the meeting focused on the military transformation plans of the Alliance for the next 20 years and future capabilities.
General Rupšys held meetings with his counterparts bilaterally in the margins of the EUMC and NATO MC in Brussels. He discussed with Germanys CHOD General Carsten Breuer defense of the eastern flank and deterrence and preparation for stationing the 46th Litauen Brigade in Lithuania.
At the meeting with Chief of Defence of the Netherlands General Onno Eichelsheim the upcoming air defence exercise with the planned Dutch deployment of the Patriot air and missile defence systems to Lithuania was discussed. At the meeting with the Greek counterpart General Dimitrios Choupis held on the Greek counterpart’s initiative the CHODs discussed possibilities for strengthening bilateral cooperation.
Photo and info credits: Lithuanian Armed Forces
