June 15, Brigadier General Arnt Kuebart, Commander of the Ground-Based Forces of the Bundeswehr paid a visit to Lithuania with his delegation. At the meeting, the regional security situation was discussed alongside ensuring airspace surveillance and control and the consistently built Lithuania’s air defence capabilities. The Lithuanian side presented threat assessment, readiness to respond to airspace violations and related threats, air defence capability arsenal and its further development plans. Another point of discussion was the contemporary challenges of counter-drone efforts while underlining the importance of integrated air defence systems, early warning and electronic warfare equipment.
“Air threats become increasingly more complex and different today, thus strengthening air defence is among the top Lithuanian Armed Forces’ priorities. Cooperation with Germany and other NATO Allies not just allow us to accelerate capability development but also to adopt the valuable experience,” said Rear Admiral Giedrius Premeneckas.
The German delegation presented the German air defence capabilities, their directions of development and planned modernisation programmes. Another topic addressed at the bilateral meeting was the possibility of bilateral military cooperation, especially on strengthening the interoperability of air defence and airspace surveillance capabilities.
The Lithuanian and German delegations shared lessons learn in Ukraine and experience gained in air defence. They focussed substantially on the use of uncrewed aerial systems in combat action, the threats they presented and the most effective countermeasures. The German delegation also introduced the training programmes for Ukrainian specialists and the experience developed while implementing them.
Lithuania is consistently strengthening air defence capabilities and accelerating acquisition of the weaponry and systems required. Currently, the focus is on developing uncrewed aerial vehicle detection, identification and neutralisation capabilities, as well as a closer cooperation among the military, public institutions and the Allies in order to provide effective response to the changing aerial threats.
Info and photo credits: Lithuanian Armed Forces
